Iker Casillas: "We want to win all four titles"

The goalkeeper of Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, Iker Casillas, who is visiting Houston to establish a new program for the Real Madrid sports schools in collaboration with BBVA Compass, said the goals achieved are not going to limit the new goals about which he already thinks for next season with Real Madrid and Spanish national team.

Iker Casillas

"I want to do better than the last season. Next season will also be long and Real Madrid wants to achieve the four titles we have in mind; the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, to win again the Spanish league, to reach and win the final of the Champions League and the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey). In addition, of course, I think about the Spanish team and I want to enjoy and get the Confederations Cup in Brazil" explained the Spanish international goalkeeper.

In assessing what the new season ahead can bring, Casillas admitted that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the favorites: "We are the champions and have good chances. What happens is that in recent years Real Madrid and Barcelona have always been the two teams that have excelled over others and maybe that was a problem to Spanish football" assessed Casillas. "The crisis has meant that not every team can sign what they want, but ultimately they reinforce increasingly better".

About the leaving of Pep Guardiola from FC Barcelona, ​​and its impact in the Spanish league, Casillas said it was something that does not worry him: "I do not know what to say about this. I respect what Guardiola and Barcelona have done, but what interests me is Real Madrid, and what interests me is that Real Madrid comes to get all the possible titles" Casillas said.

Real Madrid goalkeeper thinks that the beginning of the new season with his team facing Valencia is a good match and ideal to start the season at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium: "Real Madrid vs Valencia is always an interesting match. We are two teams that always play good football and Valencia at the Bernabeu has made us ​​things very difficult" commented Casillas.

The captain of Spain said that despite the promotional trips he had rested and somehow began to miss the competition: "The professional footballer who is out of sport for the holidays, does not take long to feel again the need to return to play" said Casillas.

About the achievements of the last European Championship with Spain, Casillas admitted that they aimed to get the title but also were aware that the mission would be very complicated: "We went with that idea, to return to win the title, but we knew it would not be easy, even though many people demanded that we had to win with that team. Besides, the other teams were stronger. Four years ago Spain, perhaps, was the surprise. Now the other national teams play against us in a very different way" Casillas analyzed.

Xabi Alonso's next target: Champions League

Xabi Alonso said the press in Indonesia that after winning the Spanish League with Real Madrid and the European Championships with Spain this year, his target for next season is to win the Champions League with the Spanish club.

Xabi Alonso in Jakarta

"It was great to win the Spanish championship with 100 points, defeating Barcelona in an amazing duel. It felt just as good to win the European Championships with the Spanish national team. I hope I can win the tenth Champions League next year with Real Madrid", the midfielder said during his visit to Indonesia.

Alonso, who won the prestigious top European competition with Liverpool in the 2004-05 season, is currently on a promotional trip in Jakarta as an ambassador of Real Madrid, for a sponsoring company. At the events, there were thousands of Real Madrid fans and spectators who cheered Xabi Alonso. Alonso thanked them for their support with a few words in the local language.

The Spanish midfielder, 30 years old, attended a football tournament for children, which comprised thousands of Indonesian participants. The competition was played at the National Monument in Jakarta, the flagship location of the capital. "I really appreciate the welcome I have received here. This is my first visit to Indonesia and I am really enjoying it. I have come here to promote football", Alonso commented.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Three years at Real Madrid

Today marks three years since Cristiano Ronaldo set foot for the first time at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in front of 85,000 spectators (3,000 more were left outside the stadium), in what is considered the most massive presentation of a footballer in history. Around 9:15 pm on July 6, 2009, the Portuguese star, wearing the number 9 on his back, jumped at the Bernabeu grass under tremendous ovation. Florentino Perez, Alfredo Di Stefano and Eusebio witnessed honor of this historic event.

Cristiano Ronaldo: First day as Real Madrid player at Bernabeu Stadium

"Hala Madrid!" said the player in his first meeting with the Real Madrid fans. Gestures like this and memorable performances have allowed him to becoome a true fan favourite from the start. He made his official debut on 29 August 2009 against Deportivo de la Coruña, scoring his first goal in the 3-2 victory.

Cristiano won the Golden Boot award in 2011 thanks to netting a record 40 strikes in La Liga (Spanish League). His impressive goal scoring skills have also allowed him to net 100 goals in the fewest games in the championship (92), to become the only player to tally strikes against every opponent in a 20-team championship, to score in more games in one season (27), to be the player with most victories in one campaign (32), as well as the top scoring player in the first leg of the competition (23 strikes).

Cristiano nets 1.01 goals on average per match with Real Madrid, more than legends such as Di Stefano, Puskas and Pahiño. In only three years, he has become one of the top ten scorers in the team's history with 146 strikes, scoring in seven straight games twice, something Puskas, Olmedo, Van Nistelrooy, Hugo Sanchez and Olsen only managed once.
In the 2010/11 season, he netted four goals against Racing and Sevilla. He scored the victory goal in the 2011 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and the strike at the Camp Nou that proved decisive for Real Madrid to end up winning the 2011/12 league title. Madridistas constantly rememeber the iconic images he left us after the Mestalla header and the goal at Barça's stadium.

More impressively, Ronaldo improves on his own numbers every season. He netted 33 goals in his first year on the team, 53 the following season, and 60 in the 2011/12 campaign. This shows he is constantly evolving and growing as a player, and he's clearly on the path to becoming one of the best footballers in history. His assist numbers also improve each season (five, 12 and 15, respectively), which enhances his role on the team. He was also one of the leaders of Real Madrid's record-breaking league title in the 2011/12 campaign.

His excellent performances as a Madridista have helped him become Portugal's leader, performing at a great level in the recent Euro 2012, in which he became the only player to score in the last five international competitions (Euros and World Cups).

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Real Madrid players at Euro 2012

Real Madrid players have stood out in the European Championship. In the list of the 23 best in the tournament, made by the UEFA Technical Committee, there are eight white players on the team: Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Cristiano, Pepe, Coentrao, Özil and Khedira. Benzema is not. He did not play his best as well as the France team. Albiol did not play a minute. And Arbeloa, the other Real Madrid player at the Euro 2012, made a couple of great defensive matches against Ribery and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Five Real Madrid players are champions of the Euro 2012

In any way, Real Madrid got ten of the eleven players who started the tournament in the semifinals, the club with more presence in that round. It was also the club with more MVP awards, seven, ahead of Wolfsburg and Barcelona, ​​both with three. Two MVP were achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo (against the Netherlands and Czech Republic), two by Özil (Portugal and Greece) and one by Pepe (Denmark), Xabi Alonso (France) and Ramos (in semifinals against Portugal).

The white players were also the top scorers, tied with Manchester City players, with eight goals scored: Cristiano (three), Xabi Alonso (two), and Pepe, Khedira and Özil (one). Also, Casillas was the goalkeeping record of the tournament. These data confirm the strength of the current project of Real Madrid, led by Mourinho, with which now is expected to reach more titles.

Iker Casillas: More records, more championships.

Spain won the Euro 2012 by defeating Italy 4-0 in the final held at Kiev's Olympic Stadium. The Spanish players played a brilliant tournament and they are the first side in history to win the title a second time in a row. The squad featured five Real Madrid players. Arbeloa, Ramos and Alonso were starters in the final and played the entire match. Raul Albiol was on the bench. Casillas gave a solid performance throughout the championship. He is the best goalkeeper of the world.

Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas is not an ordinary goalkeeper. But that was seen as a kid and ran around the ancient fields of Real Madrid sports city located in Castellana Street. The goalkeeper was growing at a rapid pace and now, 31 years old, has become a legend in the world of football. With the achievement of the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, the captain of the Spanish team can boast of being the only player who has lifted to the sky: Eurocup, World Championship and Eurocup in a row.

He already did at the Ernst Happel in Vienna in 2008 and also touched the top of the world at Soccer City in Johannesburg in 2010. Iker Casillas turned to lift the title of European champions in the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, to continue enlarging a career that is legendary. His performances have been key (penalties in the quarterfinals against Italy, saves against Robben in the World Cup final ...) so that the Spanish national team was able to accomplish these three titles. He has contributed with his humble work to make one of the best teams ever seen.

At the final of Kiev against Italy, Iker Casillas beat a record, again: Time unbeaten in European Championship finals. The record of a legendary goalkeeper, Dino Zoff, stayed in 494 minutes ... but yesterday Casillas established a better record. The Spanish goalkeeper started the match against the 'Azzurri' team with 420 minutes without conceding a goal (74 to Zoff). And Casillas finished the match leaving the new record in 510 minutes. Something only available to larger ones.

Against Italy, Casillas also increased another record. He returned to add one more game as captain. No one else has so many captaincies in the history of the European Championships; 11. After him, Didier Deschamps, Ruud Gullit and Paolo Maldini, all with 9. In addition, Iker matched two European players who have played more games with their national teams at Euro: Sepp Maier and Harald Schumacher. Furthermore, following the Euro 2012 final against Italy Casillas added the victory 100 with the Spanish team. There you have it.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium: The quintessential football field

The Santiago Bernabeu is the best European stadium. According to the QYPE users (the leading online community for recommendations on the continent), it has the best valuation. The Real Madrid home gets four stars (out of five possible) and better assessment than any other stadium.

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium 2012

Users also consider it "the quintessential football stadium" and described the Bernabeu as "impressive", adding that the field is "in the center of Madrid." The Bernabeu has been ahead of four fields of great relevance. Behind come the new Wembley, the Volksparkstadium (Hamburg), Old Trafford and Camp Nou. (All of them with four stars but with less valuation)

The stadium is home to the team and its followers. Adding all the fans who attended official matches of last season, the Bernabeu welcomed 2,164,000 fans (74,600 average). We should add the approximately 400,000 people who have visited the stadium last season during the Stadium Tour, which allows to see the bowels of the stadium, to visit the museum with trophies, access to the grass and look the visiting team's locker-room.

Santiago Bernabeu stadium was full seven times last season: five in Spanish League matches (Mallorca, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Osasuna and Betis), one in the Champions League (Bayern) and the Classic in the Spanish Cup. The worst attendance took place in two games with less interest: against Ponferradina in the Spanish Cup (57,000) and against APOEL Cyprus (60,000) in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Both were the second leg and Real Madrid had won comfortably in the first leg.

There will not be a long wait to go back to watch another match at the 'Madridista Coliseum'. The first of the season will take place on August 29 in the second leg of the SuperCup of Spain against Barcelona (first leg will be played at the Camp Nou on 22) as happened the summer of last season. At that time, also with the SuperCup at stake, the Bernabeu was full on August 14 for the first leg against Barca (2-2). So far there are no tickets on sale for the first Classic of the season 2012-13 but white fans already want to go back home.

Ricardo Kaka: Mourinho's decision

Beyond the signings, the future of Kaka is still the main question at Real Madrid. When the season ended over a month ago, the Real Madrid took for granted the departure of Brazilian footballer but the situation has not changed at all. Kaka has still the idea of ​​staying at Real Madrid, because nobody has said him that he has to search new team.

Ricardo Kaka and Jose Mourinho

So, the ball is now in the roof of Mourinho. If the coach does not want the Brazilian midfielder, Mourinho will have to tell him it face to face. Otherwise, the player will still play for another year for Real Madrid and will be part of the squad as well as the other players. Kaka has no doubts.

The hypothetical leaving of Kaka is a high complexity issue, almost more than his arrival to the white team three years ago. If Mourinho says him clearly that he is not going to play as many minutes as he wants, the player will begin looking team, but no team will put a great sum of money in the offices of the Bernabeu if they are aware that the player is on sale. At least that is what the board members fear in the white club.

Moreover, Kaka, who has three-year contract, is entitled to claim part of the salary remaining that he earns at Real Madrid. And we are talking about 30 million euros. Also, the teams interested in the player have begun to move out of bid. Yesterday was the PSG which gave up and last week were Milan's agents who said that is impossible to pay a so high salary, about 9 million euros net per season.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Kaka now does not want to leave Real Madrid because he believes he still has much to offer the white team. The Brazilian is aware that he has not given the expected level, but does not forget that this last season has not had any serious injury and has gone through stages of good football. Also, he does not want to leave by the back door.

The Brazilian does not forget that started the season, that was summoned by Brazil (he did not play because of a sore muscle) and took a place at the starting lineup when Di Maria was injured three months. The season ending was not all good, but still believes in his potential. The possible arrival of Luka Modric does not disturb nor makes him nervous. Kaka is used to live with the pressure and is willing to fight with the Croatian and Özil for a starting position.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Bitter moments after Euro 2012

The elimination of Portugal (against Spain) in the semifinals of the Euro 2012 was a very disappointing moment for Cristiano Ronaldo. He is very sad. The Portuguese captain faced the game against the Spanish National team with high spirits and with great optimism after passing the 'group of death' and beat in quarter-finals the Czech Republic. However, the fate of the penalty shootout destroyed his dream of captaining his national team to the final and deprived him of taking the final step toward his second Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or). The double setback was a difficult moment. The Portuguese has taken refuge in his family to overcome this bitter moment.

Cristiano Ronaldo at Portela Airport (Lisbon)

Neither the tremendous tribute that hundreds of Portuguese (who welcomed the Portuguese team at the Portela Airport -Lisbon-) dedicated him, was enough to lift the spirits of Cristiano, who responded with a slight smile to the affection of his countrymen.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scheduled a few days in Portugal with his family and then will travel to a heavenly destination, where he will rest and charge the batteries ahead of next season. His next assault in order to get the Golden Ball is the Spanish Supercup, when Real Madrid will play against Barcelona to get the first official trophy of the season (22 and 29 August).

At first, Cristiano, along with Pepe, Coentrao, Özil and Khedira, will return to the Real Madrid trainings on July 27, the date on which the team will play at Lisbon a friendly match (Eusebio Tournament). From there the team will depart to Los Angeles to perform the usual pre-season stage.

On the other hand Cristiano Ronaldo has no qualms to recognize that tomorrow will encourage Spain: "I hope Spain wins because I have a lot of friends there". Cristiano explained that was Paulo Bento who proposed him to shoot the fifth penalty of the shootout: "Will you shoot the fifth? He asked me. I said yes. I was going to score".

Guti: "Silva is the ideal player for Real Madrid"

Yesterday, during a meeting in Madrid, Jose Maria Gutierrez, 'Guti', took the opportunity to review the situation of his former team. With regard to the negotiations that would lead to the signing of Luka Modric for Real Madrid, the player was quite clear: "Modric has not been a man so important in Tottenham. I really think that he has not deserved to play for Real Madrid. Not yet".

Jose Maria Gutierrez ('Guti')

Although Guti recognizes that Luka Modric is a great player, the former midfielder of white club has his own idea about who is the best to play in Real Madrid's midfield: "In that position I prefer Silva. I think is the ideal player for Real Madrid. He is a young player, very talented with good projection that has done great things for Manchester City and in the Spanish national team".

The midfielder also spoke about Mourinho and his management. Guti is convinced that: "Mourinho knows his stuff. He has demonstrated it in all teams he has coached and also in Madrid". Furthermore, Guti commented about Mourinho: "Real Madrid fans must give him more time. We must begin to believe that this year with the team we have we can get more titles, and in that sense I think Mourinho is the right man to lead the team".

In this line Guti talked about to the coming clashes between Real Madrid and Barcelona to be held in August: "They will be unusual matches because there will be two teams that have finished two very strong pre-seasons". Besides, Guti does not give much importance to the winner of the Spanish Supercup: "We will not get important things for the season. Only one team that will win. From there it will be seen what team can be better or worse".

Finally, after his sudden departure of Besiktas, Guti revealed that in a couple of weeks he will talk about where is going to play: "In principle I want to play. I have a couple of good offers and in 10 or 15 days I will be able to sign the contract and say where I am going to play".

Lass Diarra to play for Milan?

Lassana Diarra could be close to signing for Milan. The only difficulty at this time would be on the payment of the transfer. Real Madrid would be willing to sell the player for 10 million euros. The agent Ernesto Bronzetti, strong man in the signings of AC Milan, said to Italian media: "Lass is a good player who will fit into the 'rossoneri' club. At the moment, he is on holiday in America. On his return to Europe, the matter will resume".

Lass Diarra

Asked about what remains to close the deal, Bronzetti commented: "Some details, but relations between Milan and Real Madrid are excellent". Lass joined Real Madrid in January 2009 and featured a high performance. Last summer he wanted to leave the club, but in the absence of significant deals ended up staying and played 25 games for the Mourinho's team.

This information clashes with the latest known. A few days ago, Claudio Vigorelli, player's agent, told to Sportitalia: "Lass is not going to play in Italy. It is very difficult because he has a one year contract with Madrid and a large offer of Spartak Moscow". Spartak Moscow seemed the team was closer to signing Lass. The Moscow club had presented to Real Madrid a 10 million euros bid for French midfielder. Besides, Spartak Moscow would be willing to increase the salary of Lass. It would be around 5 million euros annually.

In any case, Lass is not in a hurry. He has rejected several offers and his brother, who is leading his business, is waiting for a Real Madrid's move. Lass knocked down, at the last moment, the agreement reached between Tottenham and Real Madrid last summer. It is another neverending story.

In addition, there are many rumors in the Italian press these days and it is difficult to assess the information. According to the Italian media, Carvalho and Altintop could also sign for Milan this summer. Apparently, the coach, Massimiliano Allegri, wants to strengthen the center of defense with the Portuguese. Nesta is retired and Thiago Silva can sign for PSG. Apart from that, Milan would be interested in signing Altintop, because the player does not decide his future with Galatasaray. The Italian club would want to take advantage of the situation and sign the Turkish player. We'll see.

Ronaldo: Scoring in every international tournament since 2004

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against the Netherlands and another against the Czech Republic, becaming the only player to score in all major international tournaments held since 2004: three Euros (2004, 2008, 2012) and two World Cups (2006, 2010).

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating his goal against Czech Republic

Cristiano played his first Euro in 2004 when he was only 19 years old and scored in the inaugural match against Greece and in the semifinals clash with the Netherlands. Portugal got the second place in the championship after loosing against Greece in the final.

He went on to score one of Portugal's goals in the 2006 World Cup group stage against Iran and another in the 2008 Euro against the Czech Republic. He then sealed Portugal's 7-0 pour over North Korea in the 2010 World Cup.

Being only 27 years old gives Cristiano a good chance to overtake Germany's Klinsman, who scored in six straight Euros and World Cups. Ronaldo has currently tallied 67 strikes this season (60 with Real Madrid and seven with Portugal) and is currently his national team's third all-time top scorer.

Now his next target is to be the top scorer of the Euro 2012 tournament. At this time, there is a four-way tie in the race for the Golden Boot trophy following the conclusion of the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic and Alan Dzagoev of Russia were among the early contenders for the top scorers' crown after finding the net three times apiece in their teams' opening two fixtures. Neither country made it out of the group stage, however, forcing Mandžukić and Dzagoev to settle for their lot.

Though they remain at the head of the pile, there are two players with the same tally who look to be in ominous form. Mario Gomez, who scored 26 Bundesliga goals for Bayern München this term, also struck three times in Germany's first two fixtures against Portugal and the Netherlands. He is yet to add to that tally, though, having only featured for ten minutes of the quarter-final win against Greece.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, scorer of 40 Liga goals for Real Madrid CF in 2011/12, was far slower out of the blocks but now looks to have hit his stride. He was phenomenal in the 2-1 matchday three victory against the Dutch, scoring both goals, and also struck the winner as Paulo Bento's men defeated the Czech Republic to move into the last four.

The Spain trio of Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are the only players on two goals who are still involved in the tournament. The race is on.

Spartak Moscow wants Lass Diarra

The future of Lass Diarra for next season seems to be distancing itself further from Real Madrid. The Frenchman has expressed his intention to leave the club despite that he still has to fulfill a contract year and Real Madrid wants to sell him and get an income. Also, to stay in the white club player has asked for a higher salary, which currently stands at 3.5 million euros, to increase it to 5 million. An economic effort that Madrid is not willing to make in any case.

Lass Diarra

Spartak Moscow seems the team is closer to signing Lass. According to Russian website 'Life Sport', the Moscow club has presented to Real Madrid a 10 million euros bid for French midfielder. Besides, Spartak Moscow would be willing to increase the salary of Lass. The figure offered by the Russian team, which is now under the command of Unai Emery, would be around 5 million euros annually.

Moreover, the new coach of the Russian team has always liked the French midfielder, which would be a guarantee that the player would play many more minutes than he had in Real Madrid. Unai Emery has seen Lass at the Spanish League and does not hesitate about the player's work in the midfield.

This news is bound to the statements of his agent two days ago, in acknowledging that interest exists. The Russian media claim that the signing of Lass is close and that the transfer negotation has been carried out at the request of Unai Emery, coach of Spartak. In addition, two days ago, Claudio Vigorelli, player's agent, told to Sportitalia "Lass is not going to play in Italy. It is very difficult because he has a one year contract with Madrid and a large offer of Spartak Moscow".

Mesut Özil: "Khedira is a reliable player"

The Real Madrid playmaker, Mesut Özil, talked with the German media and referred to the excellent play by Sami Khedira with the German national team in this Euro 2012 Championship and wanted to distance himself from those who see that Khedira's performance decreases with Real Madrid. "I do not understand the criticism, Sami is a player who regularly plays for the best team in the world. He always plays good, you can trust him one hundred percent" he said.

Khedira and Özil at Euro 2012

"I am proud to play alongside him in the national team and for Real Madrid. Khedira has got a super evolution. About him I also said he is of the best midfielders of the world" said Mesut Özil, who also wanted to highlight the work of Joachim Löw coaching the Germany team: "He is a very good coach. Is one of the best in the world. He could coach Real Madrid? Of course, why not? Has quality to do it" he said.

Besides he does not envisage another future that Real Madrid: "I have still a contract until 2016. I love the city where the sun shines often and I have many friends there. The people are quiet. I do not know what the future holds but I am happy in Madrid" he finished.

Mesut Özil is having a good performance at Euro 2012. He has showed glimpses of his quality. Against Portugal, was named MVP. He gave a recital of football with 42 good passes and only 9 bad. Against the Netherlands he did not play his best but was close to score. Against Denmark had a good performance (55 good passes). In addition, gave an assist. In the last German match, agasint Greece in the quarterfinals, was named again MVP and gave two goal assists.

Real Madrid promotes a contest to remodel the Bernabeu

The board of Real Madrid approved a restricted contest of architectural ideas, in which Spanish and international firms will present their projects in an attempt to convert the Bernabeu Stadium in an icon of the Madrid city and international reference as a sports facility.

Santiago Bernabeu Project

As explained by the club in a note, it was a choice of the best architectural studies for a profound transformation of the installation. They applied the criteria of ability, competence, merit and experience in sports facilities and urban interventions, to select participants.
The board at its last meeting, selected Spanish architects like Rafael Moneo, who helped in the construction of the extension of the Prado Museum and the Lamela Studio, which participated in the two other renovations of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The competition also includes international names. The elect are the Norman Foster's Studio, designer of the new Wembley Stadium, Herzog & De Meuron, who projected the Allianz Arena (Munchen), and Populous Architects, who have designed many facilities for the Olympic Games in London this year.

Adan declines to renew his contract with Real Madrid

Antonio Adan has refused to renew his contract with Real Madrid. Some days ago, the club offered him a contract extension until 2016, two seasons longer than what is remaining on his current agreement but does not want to stay if he cannot play as many minutes as he wants. Real Madrid wanted to sign him an extension to cut the wishes of clubs which have been interested in him and to have an ideal replacement for Casillas.

Antonio Adan

Adan, 25 years old, has come up through the youth teams at Real Madrid (he has played for white team since he was 7 years old), and now he wants to have more opportunities and more regularity. During next season, he will go on being a substitute to Iker Casillas, but if he has not accepted the extension on his contract, he demonstrates that has realised that his time at Real Madrid is ending. He wants to leave. He does not want to stay under the shadow of Casillas.

Mourinho has spoken several times with Adan to show him support and appreciation for the work he is doing everyday and to encourage him to continue working because in the new season he will have a different role. Mourinho talked to him to play the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) and the club offered him the renewal, but after analyzing it, the goalkeeper has decided to refuse the contract extension.

Adan stays, but with his contract until 2014. When next season finishes, the player will only have a year contract remaining and Real Madrid will have to revisit the issue because the player could go free. Mourinho solves a problem in the short term but Adan will fly searching a team that gives him more chances to play, in that spirit to enjoy the competition as starter player.

This means that Real Madrid is forced to start looking at goalkeepers to be Casillas’s understudy. And the market does not offer anything worthwhile. Besides, to sign a player means an outlay of money. So currently, the club thinks about three options in the youth squad. Jesus Fernandez (24), Tomas Mejias (23) and Fernando Pacheco (20) are called to take the Adan's place. These are the guys who see Casillas like an idol and the coaches of the club know that one day they will have to defend Real Madrid's jersey. It will be necessary to speed up the training of these young goalkeepers. This will not be easy.

Altintop's agent negotiated yesterday at Bernabeu stadium

Altintop and Nuri Sahin's agent, Reza Fazeli, was yesterday in the offices of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. He arrived at 4:45 pm and left at 6:30 pm. In these nearly two hours he met with Jose Mourinho and with Jose Angel Sanchez (general director) to unblock the negotiations with Galatasaray in the transfer of Hamit Altintop.

Reza Fazeli was yesterday in Madrid

The Turkish club is best placed to gain the services of midfielder, signed from Bayern Munchen last season (he came free and earns 3 million euros per year). But for now they must wait for the player to complete his holidays to try to finally reach an agreement.

Altintop has always viewed with favor the option of signing for the Turkish club. But the negotiations came to a halt few weeks ago because the player wanted a 3.5 million euros annual salary and Galatasaray only reached 3. Now, the situation in the team coached by Fatih Terim has changed. It seems that they can play the Champions League and not be punished for the Turkish football federation because of intrigues in several matches of the Turkish Superliga. Although not official, the deputy president, Ali Dürüst, thinks that Galatasaray will represent Turkey in the Champions League competition. This would cause the club to increase its budget so could meet the financial claims of the player.

Although Altintop wants to play in Turkey for Galatasaray, is his favorite destination and seems to be his next team, the player and his agent manage offers from the Chinese league. This option seems the most remote because the player still wants to compete at the highest level. They also have proposals from Germany, where Altintop retains a good image. Reza Fazeli said that they have not yet determined what they will do: "Altintop want to choose the best option. He can stay in Madrid or may have other options. Competitive level, good economic conditions, welfare ... That's what important".

All the Real Madrid players will play the Euro 2012 quarterfinals

Real Madrid is the team with more presence in the Euro 2012 and all the Real Madrid players have passed to the next phase. Some of them are shining in the tournament. Casillas is always the same, Cristiano woke up on the last day and Pepe was the MVP in a match. Coentrao and Khedira seem others. Benzema has not scored yet.

Iker Casillas. Saint Iker against Italy and Croatia. Eleven stops at the tournament (five against Italy, four against Croatia). Superb stop in a Rakitic's goal chance with 0-0 against Croatia. That stop was decisive for Spain.

Raul Albiol. Bides his time. Summoned due to Puyol's injury, has watched all the matches from the bench. The European and World champion has not played a minute.

Ramos. The best in the defensive line of Spain. He has recovered 34 balls (Pique has recovered 31). They are a good couple. Very quick in defensive covers and good passing game. He has shot two times on target.

Xabi Alonso. He is just doing what Spain needs. He did not play his best. Has recovered 22 balls (Busquets, 28) in all three games. Good play and better defensive covering.

Alvaro Arbeloa. Doubts about his starting position. The right-back is the most discussed position at the Spanish team. Without safety in defense, without attacking (14 losses) and with lack of concentration in some moments of the matches.

Benzema. Irregular as France. France made his debut against England with a bad game and he was infected. Against Ukraine, the trident with Ribery and Nasri awoke, and Karim found his place at the midfield; two goal assists. Yesterday he was diluted again with his team (four shy shots). He has not scored yet.

Mesut Özil. He has showed glimpses of his quality. Against Portugal, was named MVP. He gave a recital of football with 42 good passes and only 9 bad. Against the Netherlands he did not play his best but was close to score. Against Denmark had a good performance (55 good passes). In addition, gave an assist.

Sami Khedira. He has more presence in attack. Plays more advanced than in Real Madrid as a box to box player; 4 shots on target and 11 steals. In addition, he passed the ball that Mario Gomez headed to score against Portugal.

Fabio Coentrao. Has recovered his best. Maybe because he feels better: "Here I have more confidence" he said. Well in defense (22 recoveries) and contributing in attack. He has shot three times on target as Postiga, the starting striker. Besides he assisted Varela in the decisive goal against Denmark.

Pepe. He scored against Denmark and was the MVPof the match. His play at Euro 2012 is outstanding. A wall in defense, only has committed a foul in three games. He also contributes in attack. He scored against Denmark and was voted the best in the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo. He played a great match against Netherlands. He tried against Germany; shot four times and was the most important player of the Portugal team but did not defeat Neuer. Against Denmark played wrong. He missed two clear chances and lost eight balls. He was criticized and Danish fans sang "Messi, Messi ...". He played his best against Netherlands scoring two goals and was the MVP. He is the player with more shots on target in the tournament: 13.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuhazet: Battling cancer

Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent, Jorge Mendes, are living these days, a story that was alien to them until just a month ago, but where both are now fully involved: Nuhazet's history, a child of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, nine years old, who suffers from cancer since he was two.

Cristiano Ronado and Nuhazet at Bernabeu Stadium

As reported www.canariasinvestiga.org, the player and his agent decided to fund a pioneering treatment for Nuhazet a month ago, after the match between Real Madrid and Mallorca at the Bernabeu stadium. Nuhazet attended the match, invited by an association, in what was presumed as one of the last great adventures of his life.

It seemed no hope for the child, who has been battling cancer since 2005. Since then, have been removed three tumors from his body, although the latter, Nuhazet was operated in October 2011, could only be partially removed. This past March, an MRI revealed metastases in three different points of the spine.

His parents, Fabiola Guillen and Silvestre Guardia, revive the trance: "The doctor had discussed with colleagues and said us that there was nothing to do. That it was best to leave him so the child would not suffer. We asked if there was anything anywhere in the world, but doctor said that whatever there was, was experimental. We sent the reports to the University of Navarra, and all the doctors told me the child should rest and not suffer. He has spent seven years with this disease, and we accepted the idea that it was the final".

Roberto Carlos: "Maicon has what Real Madrid needs"

Maicon, the right-back Mourinho likes for signing, who is being meticulously radiographed, almost obsessively, by the white team before deciding whether his transfer is a risk because of age (30 years) and the salary (4 million euros net), has the approval of Roberto Carlos, one of the best left-back of football history. Roberto Carlos knows his compatriot, with whom he came to share his last games for Brazil, and has no doubt that Real Madrid would be correct with the hiring of Inter Milan player.

Roberto Carlos

"I know that Mourinho wants to Maicon and I know he has great respect and appreciation for the Portuguese coach. If he finally comes to Real Madrid, you can be sure that nobody is going to regret this move. Maicon has everything what Real Madrid needs; experience, power and a good shot from distance. He has goal skills. He is a great back", said Roberto Carlos, who usually returns to Madrid from Moscow to spend a couple of days.

He compares Maicon to Cafu, another right-back that made history: "For me he is more like Cafu and with that I say a lot. Maicon is very good and has football on his boots because he is physically privileged. He is a force of nature, of those players that make you win big games, and championships. He is a guarantee".

Roberto Carlos insists that in the squad of Real Madrid there is no player with Maicon's features: "You can not compare him to a Real Madrid player. Like him there are few in football. Marcelo is a more skilled player, who likes to drive the ball. Maicon has a tremendous power and comes from behind to brake the rival team. He fulminates you. I also think it would be good to Arbeloa because he can keep learning and growing".

And Roberto Carlos still thinks about Maicon like one of the best in the world, even ahead of Dani Alves, the Barcelona back: "Do not forget that until recently days he was the starter in the Brazilian team, ahead of Alves. He has not played for Brazil because he suffered an injury. But Maicon will remain in Brazilian national team". Maicon operation is ongoing.

Khedira: "I have to thank Mourinho"

Khedira

How is your relationship with Jose Mourinho?
Mourinho talks bluntly, he does not care what players do with our spare time, whether we drink beer or we go to bed at two o'clock. All that matters is that we are one hundred percent in training. It's like children: if you do not allow them to do something, they will try to do it with more interest. You learn to be responsible for your actions, and that is important for taking decisions in the field.

Are you a leader?
As a teenager I always wanted to play well, give everything and go home. I was never one of those who give speeches on the field. But my coaches asked me that and I am gradually growing in that too. And I enjoy it.

What about tactics?
As a teenager I played in the Stuttgat youth squad, our coach at that time, who is still my friend, said: "If you learn to read the game, you will be able to become professional. Go see Stuttgart and check the Zvonimir Soldo's game". And that's when I realized that as a player, I would be able to lead a match.

And have you improved at Real Madrid?
I have learned how to face a game. When I was younger I saw a free space and pressed ten or fifteen times in the same way. Now I prepare mentally for a particular opponent and I know when I can go to press and leave my position without endangering my team. I am better prepared, and I have to thank Mourinho.

How does Mourinho teach you?
In individual conversations or in the field. Sometimes in training he says: "Stop! Why do you leave your position? Why are you leaving now?". Often, I watch my games two times and check players like Xabi and then try to improve my game.

Are you improving intuition?
Yes, the experience gives you this. You are able to make decisions more quickly. It's like learning a language. At first, you have to consider carefully the words you use, how to put together a sentence. Then, at some point, everything goes smoothly.

Football changes over time, before the 6 was the ordinary defensive midfielder...
Yes, they only cared to get the ball and not about score goals. I like to win in defense fights, but also get forward. To put it bluntly, in the German team, the central defenders are responsible for creating the game, and Klose and Gomez are also defending. That's the idea.