Real Madrid News
Rudiger talks Pepe, Barcelona, Ancelotti, El Clasico on his Real Madrid presentation
Real Madrid unveiled their new star defender on Monday as Antonio Rudiger donned the prestigious white jersey for the first time. During his presentation, the German international spoke extensively about his move to Spain.
He began his address by thanking his parents and the club, amongst others.
“I want to thank Florentino Perez and the club for giving me the chance to play here. I’ll give my everything to win many trophies. Hala Madrid!”
“At Real Madrid, the most important thing is to win and they have shown it in recent years. Being able to play for a club like this (Real Madrid) is unbelievable,” he added.
When asked what he would add to Los Blancos’ already star-studded squad, he said,
“It is normal for Real Madrid to have great players but I’m confident in myself. I will bring competitiveness.”
The Madrid-based club had been pursuing Rudiger’s signature for several months before the official announcement.
“Real Madrid’s first contacts with my agent were in September but I spoke with Ancelotti in April and then I made my choice,” Rudiger said.
A player’s influence on the team is not only on the field but also off it. Rudiger revealed that he possessed polarising personalities in both instances.
“Outside the pitch, I like to laugh and dance but on the pitch, I’m very serious.”
Pepe was Real Madrid’s standout centre-back for ten years from 2007 to 2017. Los Blancos’ new revealed named the Portuguese internal when asked who his favourite player was.
“If I had to choose a reference for defending, it would be Pepe.”
During his presentation on Monday, it was revealed that the centre-back would don the #22 on his jersey.
Rudiger explained why he did not take his #2, which he wore at Chelsea, saying, “I like number 2 but it’s Carvajal’s. But I didn’t think about it too much, I like the number 22.”
The race for the defender’s signing was between Barcelona and Real Madrid for a long time. Yet, he said that he did not even consider joining the Blaugranas at any stage.
“Barça were interested in me but I told my brother it’s Real Madrid or nothing.”
Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in pre-season this year. Rudiger shared his thoughts on an El Clasico debut and said,
“My El Clasico debut? Even though it’s pre-season, we want to win. I’m very excited.”
“14 Champions Leagues is something impressive. It teaches you what this club is all about, which is winning,” Rudiger continued on the topic of ‘winning’.
Finally, he closed the interview by saying that he knew about his transfer to Real Madrid well before the UCL final and added that he cheered for his new club.
“When the Champions League final was played I already knew I was going to join Madrid and I was cheering for them. I loved that they won.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
