Real Madrid News
‘Very beautiful and special’ – Luka Modric opens up on Real Madrid captaincy
Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric’s future was up in the air before the domestic season reached its conclusion.
However, putting an end to relentless speculation, the Merengues officially announced Modric’s contract extension until 2025, simultaneously naming him the first team captain following Nacho Fernandez’s departure.
Modric spoke about the immense privilege of continuing to don the royal white jersey and the new responsibilities he will bear as the team captain.
Modric is grateful for the opportunity
Acknowledging the immense weight of the captain’s armband, Modric said, “It’s a huge responsibility.
“When you see the leaders of Real Madrid over the years and being able to be captain of Real Madrid, it’s a very beautiful and special thing and I’m very happy to be able to represent the team as a captain.”
Luka Modric is poised to potentially become the Real Madrid player with the most trophies. Tied at 26 titles with Nacho Fernandez, Modric could claim the record with just one more title in the 2024/25 season.
Touching upon that exciting possibility, the Croatian remarked, “Having the possibility of being the player who has won the most titles at Real Madrid is incredible. There are many titles waiting for the team and there are a lot of hopes for me and the team.
“I am ready for what awaits me. I hope that we win a lot this season and I want to be the player with the most titles.”
Having cemented an unmatched legacy, Modric admitted he is surprised to see the trajectory of his journey, especially given his lengthy tenure. But training alongside younger players motivates him to constantly improve.
“I never imagined everything that happened to me, especially since I have been here for so many years, which is good, but training here, with so many young people who push you to work harder, makes you improve day by day. I can’t relax.
“I train outside Valdebebas as well, take care of myself and do everything necessary to be at this level at this age,” the 38-year-old affirmed.
On the dressing room dynamics
Highlighting the dressing room as a close-knit family, Modric said, “We are like a family, we are friends and there is a very good atmosphere.
“I am touched, but I wanted to continue at Real Madrid because I still feel good and I think I am able to continue performing at a high level. I hope we can all continue winning a lot of titles together this year.”
On having six Champions League titles to his name
Modric claimed that he is honoured to be on par with Paco Gento’s achievements, having won the Champions League six times.
“It’s unbelievable to draw with Paco Gento. Winning the Champions League is something unbelievable and I still always remember the 10th Cup, which was something special. After winning it once, you want it again and again, because you feel it and you see it.”
He added that there is a special motivation among players and within the club that has led to multiple Champions League victories over the years.
“What it means for the club and the fans. So, when we play this tournament, there is something special in the players and in the club that has made us win many Champions Leagues in these years,” he stated.
Finally, he concluded by saying, “I am very happy to continue at Real Madrid. I will give everything for this shirt like all these years.
“I hope I will have a lot of happiness this season and we will win many titles. Your support means a lot to us and we will do everything We do our best on the field to bring you a lot of joy.”
Source: Real Madrid
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
