Real Madrid News
‘Very close’ – Real Madrid president drops major Vinicius contract update
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has addressed two topics that have generated significant discussion around the club in recent weeks, offering clarity on both Vinicius Jr’s future and Anas Laghari’s role behind the scenes.
Speaking during a recent media appearance, Perez reflected on his plans for the club while also responding to criticism and speculation surrounding several internal matters.
His comments arrive at an important moment as Real Madrid are in the middle of presidential elections.
Perez defends trusted ally
One of the subjects raised during the interview was the involvement of Anas Laghari, whose influence around the club has been questioned by electoral candidate Enrique Riquelme despite not occupying an official position within Real Madrid’s organisational structure.
“Why is there a person with so much power alongside the president who holds no official position and who, moreover, is involved in most of the club’s operations?” Riquelme had said.
Responding to those concerns, Perez spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Laghari and his family.
Explaining why he values his advice, the Real Madrid president said, “I saw Anas being born. He’s like a son to me because his father was like a brother.
“He was also a civil engineer and we worked on projects together in Morocco. His father was brilliant and so is his son.
“He only helps me because he’s exceptionally intelligent. He also helps me at ACS, but he isn’t at ACS, and nobody says anything. Nobody here is going to take any money.”
Vinicius’ renewal
Perez also addressed the ongoing conversation surrounding Vinicius Jr. and his long-awaited contract renewal.
With rumours continuing to circulate regarding the Brazilian’s salary demands and future, the club president moved to calm the situation.
“Some people are wrong (those who boo him). They read certain newspapers and get put in a situation.
“Vinicius is a star and I’m delighted he’s with us. He’s very close to signing. People say he’s asking for a lot of money but that’s a lie. I’m not going to force him into anything,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
