Real Madrid News
Vinicius asked for iconic kit at Real Madrid: “Want the #7 of Cristiano, Butragueno, and Raul”
Earlier today, it was confirmed that Vinicius Jr was given the legendary No. 7 shirt at Real Madrid ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Brazilian international had been wearing the #20 kit for a few years now, but with the #7 becoming vacant following Eden Hazard’s departure, the attacking superstar has been handed the iconic kit.
Now, MARCA has come out with a report claiming that it was Vinicius himself who asked Real Madrid for the No. 7 kit.
As per the report, the 22-year-old speedster told the club officials: “I want the No. 7 of Cristiano, Butragueño, and Raúl.”
The Merengues were understood to be delighted by Vinicius’ request as he is the player who sells the most jerseys at the club and his taking the iconic No. 7 kit made perfect sense from their point of view.
Vinicius has grown into the face of this Real Madrid side over the past couple of seasons with scintillating displays on the pitch.
Given his rapid rise to prominence and the loads of talent and quality he possesses, him being handed the No. 7 shirt always felt only a matter of time.
Some of the greatest players to have represented Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Gonzalez, Emilio Butragueno, Raymond Kopa, Amancio, and Juanito have all donned the #7 shirt at the club.
However, in recent years, following the departure of Ronaldo in 2018, it had lost its sheen. Mariano Diaz was given the shirt for the 2018/19 season in what was an ill-advised move. Eden Hazard took it upon his arrival in 2019, but failed to live up to the expectations.
With Vinicius, there is hope and belief that the No. 7 kit will reclaim its iconic status. And the fact that he asked for it shows that the Brazilian is unfazed by pressure and is ready to lead this Real Madrid team from the front following Karim Benzema’s departure.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
