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6.09.2012

Milan prepares 200 million for Cristiano Ronaldo

Berlusconi has never hidden that his dream is to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, but this time seems to have found the necessary financial support to try to fulfill his desires. As the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport said yesterday, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, from Dubai, wants to acquire 25% of Milan. His arrival would be an injection of 200 million euros to the 'rossoneri' club coffers. And most of that amount would be aimed at signing Cristiano Ronaldo. The player's salary would be around 20 million euros and he would become the highest paid footballer in the world.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Silvio Berlusconi
Cristiano Ronaldo and Silvio Berlusconi

It is not the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo has been tempted with a great deal. Last year Manchester City owner, Sheikh Mansour, was willing to pay 180 million euros for his transfer. From the Bernabeu merely stated that Cristiano is not transferable. Hence the anti-sheikhs buyout clause: 1,000 million euros. This time, Berlusconi's desires clash head again with the plans of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo himself, who is happy in Madrid and is intended to stay in the Spanish league because his obsession is to win the European Cup in white.

The good performance shown by Cristiano since his arrival in Spain has meant that Real Madrid is studying the improvement of his contract, which would be accompanied by an expansion of it in four years. Thus, the Portuguese striker will be linked to the white team until 2019. This means that Cristiano Ronaldo would play the rest of his career as white player.

Smuda "Piszczek will go to Real Madrid"

Piszczek is one of the men to follow by Jose Mourinho at Euro 2012. His brilliant season at Borussia Dortmund made ​​in early May that Real Madrid started some negotiations for him. The German club declared the right back as untransferable player and Real Madrid's interest seemed to get cold. But yesterday the Polish coach, Franciszek Smuda surprised with these statements: "Lewandowski will play for Manchester United, Blaszczykowski will go to somewhere in England and Piszczek to Real Madrid. In my opinion, they will leave Borussia Dortmund because they need it to grow. Of course they are the basis of my team and I would appreciate".

Franciszek Smuda
Franciszek Smuda (Poland coach)

Piszczek ends contract with Borussia in June 2016. He is 27 and has two seasons in the Bundesliga champions after six years at Hertha Berlin. Last season he played 45 games with the German team and scored four goals. His market value is around 10 million euros. Real Madrid had already signed three players last year at this time (Callejon Sahin and Altintop), but this summer Mourinho has preferred to wait what happens in the Euro 2012 tournament. After the World Cup in South Africa, Real Madrid signed, for example, Khedira and Özil. The Polish right back played yesterday against Greece having a good performance, especially in the first half.

Piszczek fits perfectly into the profile of long-haul right back that Mourinho wants to share the place with Arbeloa. The Polish is a fast player, aggressive, strong in the air (1.86 meters) and with a clear tendency offensive. On the other hand, Piszczek is weaker on tactics because he was converted form midfielder. In fact this is his second season serving as right back. If he finally signs for Real Madrid will be reunited with his former teammate Nuri Sahin.

6.08.2012

Mourinho with Real Madrid international players in Euro 2012

Jose Mourinho told the website of Real Madrid that is "a must" for him to be with his players "in a special moment for them" such as the Eurocup 2012, and thus he will see the first game in the tournament of Germany, Spain and Portugal. Remember that the Portuguese coach will attend the tournament to see the evolution of some interesting players for the summer market.

"I think this is a must for me the fact of being next to my players in a special moment for them. I wish good luck to all in an important tournament that I value in a special way, not only for its sporting significance and competitive, but especially for the social and cultural significance acquired in each of the countries represented by their teams", said the coach of Real Madrid. "I am Portuguese and I support my country, but always will support my players" said Mourinho, who on Saturday will see the match between Germany and Portugal and on Sunday the match between Spain and Italy.

The Portuguese coach will only lose the France's debut on Monday 11, where Karim Benzema plays for his national team, because that day Mourinho will travel to Singapore on business. There are eleven Real Madrid players who represent their countries in the Euro 2012.

Real Madrid players at Euro 2012
Real Madrid players to play Euro 2012

Spain: Casillas, Ramos, Arbeloa, Albiol and Xabi Alonso
Spain wants to become the first team in history to win the Euro straight after winning the previous edition of the championship and the World Cup. They have been put in the same group as Ireland, Italy and Croatia.

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Coentrao
Ronaldo is Portugal's great star, while Pepe and Coentrao are key players in their defence. The Portuguese are in what has been dubbed the toughest group in the championship with Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Germany: Özil and Khedira
The Germans are one of the main contenders for the title and Real Madrid's Özil and Khedira will have a prominent role in Joachim Low's side. They too are in the toughest group of the tournament.

France: Benzema
Karim Benzema is France's striker. The player just had the best season of his career and wants to lead his national team to have a great run in the Euro. France are in Group D, which will meet Spain's group in the quarterfinals.

Real Madrid transfer targets are in the EuroCup 2012

Jose Mourinho will be very attentive to the European Championship. The reinforcements he wants for next season (a right back, a midfielder and a playmaker, if Kaka finally leaves the white team) are in competition that begins today in Poland. As happened in the World Cup in South Africa, with the emergence of Özil and Khedira and the subsequent signings for Real Madrid, the Portuguese coach will follow the performance of the most important players in the tournament.

Mourinho and his staff in Real Madrid
Mourinho and his team are already working for next season

No doubt, among all those who participate in this tournament the great target, the most important goal for Mourinho is Javi Martinez. Athletic Bilbao midfielder meets all requirements demanded by the Portuguese. In fact, at his request, on the eve of the final of the 'Copa del Rey', there was a first contact between Real Madrid and Athletic, but the Basque club did not want to negotiate and showed the buyout clause of the player: 40 million euros.

As for names that sound to reinforce the right back of Real Madrid, the Dutch Van der Wiel is well placed, like the Polish Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund. While the number one candidate for the playmaker is David Silva, but Manchester City does not want to sell.

6.07.2012

Real Madrid pre-season 2012-2013: Schedule

Real Madrid is closing its pre-season. It will begin with two matches in Europe and will continue with the usual U.S.A. Tour. In the 2012-2013 pre-season Real Madrid will not return to China.

Real Madrid during pre-season 2011-2012
Real Madrid during pre-season 2011-2012

EUROPE

On July 15, Real Madrid will kick off the 2012-13 season. Jose Mourinho has summoned his workforce in Valdebebas Sports City that day, at least to those players who do not play the Eurocup 2012. The white players will pass the medical examination to face almost two weeks of hard work and trainings.

In this first stage of the pre-season, whites would have to visit Morocco. It would have to be on July 24 and Real Madrid would play a friendly match at the new Grand Stadium of Tangiers against Moghreb Athletic Tetouan (MAT), which has just been proclaimed, for the first time ever, champions of the Moroccan First division football. But this match has been canceled due to logistical problems.

So Real Madrid will play its first pre-season game at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium on July 24 against Oviedo. Having canceled the match in Morocco, the white club decided the best was to play in Spain and in a place where fans usually do not enjoy Real Madrid and Oviedo was chosen to play the first game of the pre-season. Real has not played there since 2002 and Carlos Tartiere Stadium, with 30,500 seats will be full. It is also a comfortable trip. The team will move the same day of the game and will return to the Spanish capital after the end.

Then, the second pre-season game would be against Benfica on July 27, attending the Eusebio Cup. The team will travel to Lisbon to visit the country of the coach Jose Mourinho and some of the players in the squad as Cristiano Ronaldo. It will be a short travel that will not disturb the training pace reached at Valdebebas Sports City in Madrid.

UNITES STATES OF AMERICA

After the friendly in Portugal, Real Madrid will go back to Los Angeles to begin the U.S.A. Tour. There white team will play its third friendly on August 2 against Los Angeles Galaxy. The game against the Galaxy, which is framed in the World Challenge tournament (with Chelsea, Liverpool, Milan, PSG, Toronto and Seattle Sounders), will be the fourth match between the Galaxy and Real Madrid. The first was just at the Home Depot Center in 2005 (Beckham was active in the Real Madrid), and ended with a 2-0, Madrid victory. After, at the Rose Bowl in 2010, Mourinho's team won 3-2, in his first summer as a coach. Last year, at Memorial Coliseum, Real Madrid won again (4-1).

Real Madrid will play on August 5 in Las Vegas its second friendly match in the U.S.A. Tour. At first, the rival team was Juventus (both clubs have achieved the league in Spain and Italy) but the match between whites and 'bianconeri' has been canceled because the Italian team has announced the cancellation of its North American tour.

So the tournament organizer has found another rival for Real Madrid in order to play a friendly match at Sam Boyd Stadium, a football field with a capacity of nearly 40,000 spectators, in the same date. The rival will be Santos Laguna (Mexico), current champion of the Clausura Trophy 2012.

Finally, Real Madrid will face Milan on August 8, at New York. The two teams which have won more European Cups would play in the modern Yankee Stadium (not confirmed), built in 2009 and home of the New York Yankees. Turned into a football field it has capacity for 54,200 spectators. This will be the third summer friendly match that Real Madrid would play in its U.S.A. tour.

The MLS (Major League Soccer) has also announced a friendly against Celtic on August 11 in Philadelphia, but from the white club has not yet been confirmed. Apparently the Scottish team has scheduling problems and is looking for a solution.

After returning to Europe is possible that Real Madrid does not go out from Spain to play another friendly match. The Spanish league begins on August 19 and before the white team has to play the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona (22 and 29 August). So Real Madrid will try to play the Bernabeu Trophy 2012 just returned from the U.S.A. tour.

SCHEDULE

  • 07/24- Oviedo - Real Madrid (Oviedo, Spain)
  • 07/27- Benfica - Real Madrid (Lisbon, Portugal)
  • 08/02- Los Angeles Galaxy - Real Madrid (Los Angeles, U.S.A.)
  • 08/05- Santos Laguna - Real Madrid (Las Vegas, U.S.A.)
  • 08/08- Milan - Real Madrid (New York, U.S.A.)
  • 08/11- Celtic - Real Madrid (Philladelphia, U.S.A)

Gonzalo Higuain does not want to listen to offers

Gonzalo Higuain has told his agents that do not transmit him any offer that can come over the summer. After having speculated on his possible departure to different European clubs (Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea among others), Argentinian player has taken the decision to stay at Real Madrid for next season.

Gonzalo Higuain training with Argentina
Gonzalo Higuain is training with Argentina these days

The first team that was interested in 'Pipita' Higuain was the current champion of the Serie A, Juventus, which wants to sign the Argentinian since last season to be the star of the Italian team. Two other teams that were interested this season in the white striker are Chelsea, that in the past winter market offered 40 million euros for taking with his services, and PSG, which in recent months has been contacting his representatives to know the disposition of the Argentinian player.

Higuain, tired of all the information and rumors that have gone out in the press in recent months, has decided to make that decision to focus exclusively, first in the upcoming friendly against Brazil and then to rest during his holiday after this season, in which he has scored 22 goals and won the 100 points league with Real Madrid.

The latter club has joined the list to sign the Real Madrid player has been the Tottenham. Through a confidant of the owner of club (the millionaire Joe Lewis) Tottenham has been in contact with the Higuain's agents. They want to sign Higuain because consider him the cornerstone of the new project. Tottenham wants to classify assiduously for the Champions League and win a title in England.

Real Madrid wants to negotiate to sign Javi Martinez

Jose Mourinho wants to sign Javi Martinez to be the perfect couple of Xabi Alonso next season and Real Madrid has already taken the first steps to get it. According to the newspaper Deia, an emissary of white club spoke with a member of the Athletic Board, to negotiate for the Spanish international player. The conversation took place on May 24, the eve of the Spanish Cup final that Athletic Bilbao played against Barcelona at the Calderon Stadium.

Javi Martinez playing for Athletic Bilbao against Cristiano Ronaldo
Javi Martinez playing for Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid's emissary received the following response: Athletic Bilbao does not negotiate and only refers to the approval of the player and his buyout clause: 40 million euros. But the white club is not willing to pay to avoid bad relationship with Basque team, besides considering the price exorbitant.

The newspaper Deia ensures that this is not the only front that holds open the entity chaired by Florentino Perez to have a chance to sign Javi Martinez, who last year extended his contract with Athletic until 2016. The other has to do with the 'environment' of football player, specifically with Bahia International, the agency that represents him.

Jose Mourinho is insisting on the signing because he fits the mold of player he wants to play with Xabi Alonso. With him, the Portuguese coach would have a wildcard. This season Javi Martinez has played 4,613 minutes in 54 games and scored 4 goals. Also he has been discovered as a good central defender and has even played at right back in Bielsa's team.

6.06.2012

Cristiano Ronaldo: "This is the best time in my life"

In a Cristiano Ronaldo's interview with the Spanish media, the most decisive player in the league appears relaxed, serene. As always, he does not avoid any sensitive issue for it. He is happy remembering the party at Cibeles, and speaking of the future. One hundred percent white and radiant.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo

Again, your season can only be described as incredible: with 60 goals in 55 games have improved your previous course records. So next season ... Bigger and better?
I guarantee I will try to improve on this year's numbers. I may not be able to score more goals, but I can serve more assists. It's harder each time, but I always try to do better. Usain Bolt ran 100 meters in 9.58 seconds and it will be practically impossible for him to do better than that, but I am sure he will try.

What else can you do to win the Balon d’Or?
I am not too concerned about the Ballon d'Or because the most important thing for me was to win La Liga, which is a difficult title, if not the toughest in Europe. I do not vote for the Ballon d'Or and everyone has different tastes. Several Real Madrid players and myself did enough to deserve a nomination and I cannot hide my desire to win it because it is the greatest accolade a player can win on an individual level.

Are you better than Barcelona?
We have changed our run with Barcelona and I am sure it will be much better form now on. We players are more confident and we have more faith in the team. It is very demanding to compete with Barcelona and we nevertheless won with a nine-point lead over them and defeated them at the Camp Nou. We had an exceptional season both individually and collectively.

Mourinho is continuing until 2016…
A club like this has to have a top coach like Mourinho. He has to be here. I think it is evident Real Madrid would not win as many titles without him.

What about your contract renewal?
If it were totally up to me, I would end my career at Real Madrid, honestly. I would sign a ten year extension right now. I want to stay, but that decision is really up to other people.

Let's talk about the Real Madrid fans. Some people have critized you at the Bernabeu and the rest remained silent. They were hard times for you. What did you think and how you overcome it?
I can not agree, but I respect it. Everybody is free and we must be strong and looking for the best to respond them. You can always keep improving. From what I know of the history of Real Madrid, that also happened to Zidane, Ronaldo ... And they are in the history of Real Madrid. So I am quiet. Now they are all with me, thank God the recognize my worth and that's why I am so happy.

Yes, you look happy ...
This is the best time in my life, both physically and psychologically. I want to keep it up and enjoy myself much more with Real Madrid fans because my connection with them has evolved considerably in recent months. I feel very close to them and that's why I want to stay here a long time. I want to show my love for this shirt and do my best for the team.

You look very close to Fabio Coentrao. Do the fans at the Bernabeu have been fair to him? 
No, it was a bit unfair. Now Fabio, with the quality he has and the person he is, must show the top player he is. The first year is always the hardest, but he is one of the best defenders in the world. The good players always end up succeeding.

Another friend, Kaka, is not passing through his best.
He has to decide what is best for his future and his family. I can not give my opinion about a player, who is also my friend. I think he has much to offer to Real Madrid and I am sure that will continue long here.

Cristiano Ronaldo phoned Marcelo: "I believe you, my friend"

News agencies were on fire on Monday afternoon with a phrase attributed to Marcelo, that triggered a tsunami in social networks: "Messi is the best in the world". The issue was not clear not only because Marcelo is teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid, but because it is known that both maintain personal friendship. The phrase appeared in the Brazilian media after an interview with the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), but curiously there is no evidence videographic. Only what was written.

Marcelo wearing the Brazilian national team polo
Marcelo is training with the Brazilian national team

Marcelo was very angry to know the phrases that were put into his mouth. In fact, in his Twitter account responded within hours: "They have misinterpreted what I said. Messi was the last to receive the Golden Ball, but for me, no doubt, the best is Cristiano and they will not ruin my friendship with him".

As has been published in Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo phoned the Brazilian player in the early hours of Tuesday. Marcelo was summoned with the Brazil team in New Jersey, where on Saturday will be played the game Brazil vs Argentina. The party is of a friendly nature and will be played from 9:00 pm (local time). Cristiano talked to him: "Marcelo, quiet. I believe you, my friend. It is not important. We are friends and we will not waste another minute".

Marcelo was comforted by the words of Cristiano, who is not affected by the permanent fight with Messi. In the last year has learned to manage better the issue so he decided to tackle it himself. Marcelo and his environment also left yesterday clear that his statements about Cristiano Ronaldo are in an interview that a few days ago gave to the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Hamit Altintop: "I think Mourinho wants me to stay"

The transfer of Altintop to Galatasaray still will not close. In the list of players with many chances to get out of Real Madrid, Hamit Altintop (Gelsenkirchen, 1982) occupies a main position. The Turk acknowledges that it has been a difficult year for him because of the few minutes he has played and says he has offers to leave, but it is not clear and goes on vacation as Mourinho's player.

Hamit Altintop playing for Turkey vs Portugal
Hamit Altintop playing for Turkey

The international player denied to the Turkish media some sort of agreement: "My agent has had meetings, but nothing is closed". What seemed imminent a few days ago, has stalled for two reasons. The main is to Altintop's request to earn 3.5 million euros per year. The Istanbul club would offer him 3, his current salary in Real Madrid.

The other condition is that UEFA can possibly impose penalties to Galatasaray by the rigging of matches, keeping them out from participating in European competitions. Even with all, the operation could be unlocked within hours after the meeting to be held with Fatih Terim, coach of Turkish club, and Altintop, once the training stage with his national team ended yesterday .

What's new about your future? Are you going out or staying at Real Madrid?
I have contract with Real Madrid. Of course, there has been a tough year for me, but the team played very well. I have other options and could leave Real Madrid, but I'd rather wait. I was concentrating on my national team and now I am going on vacation. When I return I will start in Madrid.

Do you think Mourinho is counting on you?
Yes, I think Mourinho wants me to stay.

6.05.2012

Mesut Özil: "Zinedine Zidane is my idol"

Mesut Özil gave an interview to German media. He recognizes that his idol is Zinedine Zidane and talks about his beginnings in the world of football. Also comments his situation at Real Madrid and his potential to be champion of Europe with Germany.

Mesut Özil
Mesut Özil

Let's talk about the weather. Does it really make a difference to your game, come rain or shine?
No, this has no effect. Of course I enjoy the play when the sun is shining and the weather is perfect. But rain does not matter. I have been playing football for years, since I was six. Rain, sun, snow ... as a child I went to kick in all weather conditions, immediately after school on the football field.

You have learned the game in a field called "monkey cage" in your home town, Gelsenkirchen. How would you describe it?
The site is fenced, so the ball is never out of bounds and it goes on and on. We usually played five against five or six against six. And I was the smallest. I often gambled with the ball.

Gambled?
Zinedine Zidane was my idol. We tried to imitate his tricks, that we saw on TV, on the football field. Surprisingly, this has always worked for me very easily. The others took a bit longer.

Why do you admire Zidane?
For me he was a complete player. Technically he was the strong player I have seen.

At that time many have raved about Zidane's feats or tricks. Khedira, your teammate at Real Madrid, however, once told: "His playing was beautiful because of his simplicity".
As a child you pay attention on it because is amazing, except for Sami (laughs). Zidane was a great player because he had great tricks. Of tactical things I have no idea. As a professional, I recognize, of course, that Zidane was an important player for the team.

People call you in Spain as the new Zidane. Even you wear the number 10.
I would never compare myself with him, even when I am playing now at the highest level. Of course I am very proud to play for such a big club like Real Madrid. It is a honor for me. But Zidane is a different player. He was a player with world-wide success that I still lack. I have to prove myself first.

You can achieve it at the European Championships. Can the German team defeat the Spaniard this time?
Everyone is talking only about the Spaniards. Of course they are favorites, but there are other nations that will compete for the title. We will have our opportunities but it's a long way, and it will be definitely very difficult.

You have a play that dominates the matches. Not only in the national team, but also at Real Madrid, perhaps the biggest club in the world with the most demanding audience. How do you deal with this responsibility?
Frankly, I do not think about it. For me it is still as when I was ten years. If I am on the field, I just want to have fun.

Marcelo wants to play the Olympics

Jose Mourinho can have a problem on the left back at the start of the next season. Marcelo wants to play the Olympics and the Brazilian coach, Mano Menezes, is determined to summon him, as one of three players aged over 23 who can participate in the competition.

Marcelo playing for Brazil against Denmark
Marcelo playing for Brazil

Marcelo, who has been training and playing with the Brazilian national team since last May 25 and already participated in the Beijing Games, is excited about winning the gold medal: "I want to go to the Olympics. I am working hard and I like to return to the competition. We all want to go to the Olympic Games", the left dfender said in an interview with the CBF (Brazilian Football Association)

Football in the Olympics begins on July 25 and ends on August 11, just the section of the summer when Real Madrid will make his U.S.A. tour. The Brazilian player, therefore, would begin the course without having pre-season and without holydays (just only a week on vacation). For Mourinho, that is not ideal for the player.

Marcelo, however, is very excited about the Brazilian team after overcoming all the problems he had a year ago with Mano Menezes. Real Madrid player has struggled to get into the dynamics of his national team and does not want to miss a call, especially with Brazil's World Cup just around the corner. "I am in the best moment of my career and I enjoy all I can. I feel very comfortable at Real Madrid and with the Brazilian national team and I want to go on much longe".

Finally, Marcelo said something that caused a small earthquake in Brazil: "Messi is currently the best player in the world". The Real Madrid player responded to questions from journalists on the occasion of Brazil vs Argentina match to play next Saturday in New Jersey, the last of the four matches for the Olympic preparation. He did not mention Cristiano Ronaldo and offered praise for the Barca player: "It is a pleasure to play against him. Let's see what happens, if we can score them. Argentina leaves more space to play and we can defeat them".

Bernabeu Trophy 2012 will be played in late September

Since the first edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy that was held in 1979, Real Madrid has tried to play this friendly match (with special meaning) in late August or early September with the idea that it was an official presentation of the new team to the fans. In its history, the tournament has only been moved from that time on three occasions: in 2002, the centennial year, the trophy was held from 2 to 4 August (Bayern Munchen won), in 2003 when it was played on September 23, Real Madrid won against River 3-1, and in 2007, when the match was moved to December 5. This Trophy was scheduled for August 28 but had to be canceled after the tragic death of Antonio Puerta (Sevilla player) and there were no dates to play it before Christmas. Even the opponent was changed; Partizan Belgrade instead of Sporting of Portugal.

Real Madrid players with the Bernabeu Trophy 2011
Real Madrid won the Bernabeu Trophy 2011

Real Madrid faces this year with the same problem of lack of dates to place the trophy against Millionarios team. The first available date is around 25 or 26 September. The problem is that Real Madrid has its final preseason game in the United States on August 11. And after that, the Spanish Football Federation has hired a friendly against Puerto Rico (FIFA ranking 138) on August 15. And this match has to be played in Puerto Rico, in Bayamon. The Spanish league, if confirmed the timetable proposed by the LFP (Professional Football League), will begin on August 18. And then, the Spanish Super Cup, two FIFA dates for national teams and the Champions League beginnig. So the BernabeuTrophy will be postponed until late September (25 or 26). Barcelona has the same problem, but does not tour (play its final friendly match on August 8 against Manchester City), and thinks about move the Gamoer Trophy to the 12th of the month. Also has two Mondays (20 or 27), two days before the first and second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, respectively

Real Madrid has played 33 editions of the Bernabeu Trophy. Among the summer trophies which still exist, there are few with more editions played: Teresa Herrera (66), Emma Cuervo de Ribadeo (60), Carranza (57), Fiesta de Elche (56), Concepción Arenal de Ferrol and Luis Otero Pontevedra (52), Colombino (47), Gamper (46), Ciity of Vigo and Zaragoza (41), Naranja Trophy (40) and City of Barcelona (37). Real Madrid wants to take care of its important trophy. Others, like the mythical City of Madrid (which was organized by Atletico), Villa de Bilbao, Iberian Badajoz, Costa del Sol, Euskadi-Asergace or City of La Linea have already disappeared.

6.04.2012

Pepe: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a machine"

Real Madrid defender Pepe believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or. He stated in an interview the Portuguese central defender granted to the newspaper 'O Jogo'. "He is a machine" he said referring to his teammate for club and national team.

Pepe

Pepe is very clear, he would give the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) for Cristiano because he is the "best player in the world". In comparison with Messi said that "It is hard to choose, but Ronaldo is a more complete player. He is a machine", he continued, and even if Cristiano was not the top scorer of the year, argued that "Cristiano deserves the highest individual award". In addition, continuing with the discussion Cristiano-Messi, the player has indicated that the achievement of the Spanish League "the most competitive in the world" by Real Madrid should help Cristiano Ronaldo to win against the Argentine star.

On a personal level, the international has admitted he is in a "calm and stable phase". "The renewal with Real Madrid has given me stability", he said. "I am fine physically, calm and with confidence", he said confidently. Pepe renewed his contract with Real Madrid in last July. The Portuguese player confessed that other strong European teams were interested in his services, but he explained why chose white team. Pepe: "Real Madrid is a club that has always treated fairly and very well. I think that people recognize that I always give my best on the field and that iswhy I get many supporters admiration", said the Real Madrid defender.

Pepe will meet next Saturday to his teammates Özil and Khedira in the match of Eurocup 2012 that will face Portugal and Germany. Regarding the meeting with the Germans, the Portuguese defender has acknowledged that he joked about it with his "friends" in some training, but has stressed that "they all play their best in defense of their interests", which this time will be divergent.

Pepe has a big dream and does not hide it. The Portuguese defender wants to put his hands at the UEFA Champions League trophy and he believes this could be next year. Pepe: "I want to win the UEFA Champions League. I have already won the Spanish Leahue and the Spanish Cup, but what I really want is the Champions League. I am very confident this could be the right year for that to happen. We are a very strong team, in a very similar way to the Portuguese National Team, since everyone is united towards the same objectives", noted Pepe.

2012 Heart Classic Match: Real Madrid 3 - 2 Man. United

Long ago that Santiago Bernabeu stadium is a theme park for all ages and a necessary scenary for football purists. The new times have become a gateway with a permanent exhibition of world stars each season: Now, Cristiano Ronaldo, Casillas, Benzema ... But almost more excited is a retrospective as the Heart Classic Match. First, in substance. A good amount of money that is already traveling to Africa, the essentials. And then, to get the merger of times, to make possible the impossible starting line ups. By mixing Butragueño with Zidane to dribbling the enemies. Or to fantasize about what would have been Santillana with a Golden Ball as Figo on the right.

Zinedine Zidane: Heart Classic Match 2012

All this only happens in a game for nostalgia in which only was missed a goal from Raul, Del Bosque or Ferguson, occupants of the bench in those duels at the end and beginning of the century that were always white: In 2000 by the genius of Vincente Del Bosque who optimized an inferior team in football but with a top player in each line: Casillas, Hierro, Redondo and insatiable Raul. Del Bosque showed in that qualifying round that he was much more than an emergency coach for Real Madrid . And then in 2003, a perfect team that was the envy of Europe with a devastating Ronaldo. A team that was a storm at Old Trafford only stopped by injuries, bad luck and Nedved in Turin that ended Hierro and Del Bosque's time in white team.

The audience had fun. The topic always invited to write that some players are still to play, but have to admit that all of them have spent their time (although in the case of Zidane this would be an interesting discussion). Even so, more than 60,000 people gathered at the Bernabeu and they had a great time. They could enjoy the Zidane's supreme class (played almost the entire game), the magic of Butragueño, a couple of terrific shots by Roberto Carlos, Morientes' goal instinct (who scored the 1-0) and Figo's touch of ball (author of 2-1).

Because some things never change. Chendo's discipline, unable to exit the script as a delegate or in a friendly match, or the protective arms and individual technique of Redondo. Neither in Real Madrid nor Manchester, few players have played like Andy Cole, always looking for a goal, the pearl of Newcastle that Ferguson stole. Also was Yorke, who played in midfield, where he finished his career just playing the World Cup with Trinidad and Tobago. Or Lee Sharpe, good provider in the Cantona's United who coincided with the start of the Premier and yesterday scored the first goal of a Manchester United that had merit, because Keane could not attend the match and had just 14 players to deal with three generations of white idols. And fought until the 3-2 and breathed in the 82nd minute when Zinedine Zidane left the field. They say that many, including Florentino Perez, went into a fit of melancholy and ran to see the entire video collection of the French player. Yes, could say that Zizou will be immortal.

Just about football, Fernando Morientes netted the opener from a lobbed shot on the six-minute mark and Manchester United responded through a Lee Sharp header following a Cole turn and assist in the box. Both sides had several chances to score until Real netted a second from a spectacular shot by Figo right outside the box after receiving the ball from Zidane (11’). There were no more strikes in the first half, but the audience did get to see impossible passes and dribbles that got them off their seats.

Manchester United wanted to turn the score around after half-time and Real looked to increase their lead. Santillana hit the crossbar in the 51st minute following a Roberto Carlos gallop down the left wing and Van der Sar made a spectacular save when Figo tried to tally another strike (55').

The Reds were awarded a penalty after Cole was challenged in the box, but Contreras saved Sheringham's shot (67’) and Redondo scored a masterful strike two minutes later after dribbling past two defenders. Sheringham got rid of the bitter aftertaste of missing the penalty with a beautiful lobbed goal that made the match become more intense and exciting until it was over.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 60,000
Goals:1-0: Morientes (7'). 1-1: Lee Sharpe (9'). 2-1: Figo (11'). 3-1: Redondo (69'). 3-2: Sheringham (79').

6.03.2012

Carvajal can be the right back

The Real Madrid Castilla has revolutionized the offices of the Bernabeu stadium. The white club knows that has a great generation of young players at hand and the Spanish media does not stop speculating about the future of the main jewels of the youth team. The list is extensive: Jesse, Morata, Nacho, Juanfran... However, there is a player who has gained prominence in recent weeks. It is Carvajal, the right back of R.M.Castilla.

Carvajal Real Madrid Castilla player on the field
Carvajal

Strengthen the right back is a priority of Mourinho and the name of Carvajal has been managed as a candidate to compete with Arbeloa. More after the difficulties Real Madrid is suffering to sign a player that meets the technical conditions required by the Portuguese coach. Mourinho wants a top player for that position, but for various reasons, Lahm, Alves, Maicon or Ivanovic are impossible. That's where Carvajal comes.

The passage of time is in favor the young player. Real Madrid is looking for an important player to the right back and is not very keen of experiments. "We will not spend the money to sign an Arbeloa's substitute" they say in the club, where there are many who defend the possibility to free up some of the tabs on players who will leave, as is the case Altintop, thinking that Mourinho will pick Carvajal when he needed it. The youth player would play for Castilla and participate with the first team when the coach considers it appropriate, as well as others of his companions.

Carvajal stays out of all these movements: "We have to walk on eggshells because we are very young. In my case I take it easy, I am 20 years old and another season with Castilla is going to come good. To play in second division we will be good for everyone to adapt us to a higher level of competition, harder matches and strong rivals. We train to play for the first team", he says.

Despite his caution, he does not hidden that remains hopeful of playing for Mourinho: "The illusion is there but is a feeling that they have all youth players, not just me. We all work for a chance to play in the first team and take advantage when it comes. But again, we have to keep working because someday we will reap the fruits of our work".