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Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has said it feels like a dream to be back at the club and he feels at home again.

The Brazilian spent last season on loan at Porto gaining valuable first team football but is now very much part of Rafa Benitez’ first team plans for the season ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Taking time out from pre-season training in Melbourne, the 23-year-old spoke to the club’s official website and TV channel to talk about what it’s like to be back and what he learned in his time away from the Spanish capital.

Casemiro said: “I’m living another dream and it feels like I’ve returned home. I was gone for a year but I was always thinking about being at Real Madrid. I’m really excited about triumphing here.”

Asked about his time at Porto, the defensive midfielder stated: “It was an extremely important year in my life. Porto helped me quite a bit but I worked really hard, with lots of enthusiasm and humility and with my mind always focused on returning to Real Madrid. It was a fantastic year on a personal level.”

Casemiro also discussed working under the new boss, saying he is very driven to win titles for the club.

“He is a manager with high expectations of his players and I like that. He knows how to communicate with his players and he is intelligent. Our mentality is geared towards winning titles.”

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Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has hinted the Red Devils may still be in the hunt for Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos, despite Los Blancos being determined to keep their star defender.

The 29-year-old has continually been linked with the Old Trafford side this summer, and according to many reports in the UK and Spain, is angry with club president Florentino Perez over contract negotiations.

The defender still has two years to run on his current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu but has been upset by Perez’ refusal to put him in the top pay bracket at the club. Some reports have suggested he has already made up his mind and wants to move to Old Trafford before the end of the transfer deadline on September 1.

United have had a bid turned down for Ramos but are thought to be preparing a new offer. The situation is complicated by the fact Real want to sign David de Gea, with both clubs refusing to deal with each other unless the each part with one of they key men.

Speaking in the US where United are on tour, van Gaal was asked by reporters to give a transfer update.

And he said: “I cannot talk about these rumours. I have said in a lot of press conferences that it’s a process. Maybe Mr Ramos is in the process – you never know.”

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Marco Reus

Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are in talks over the possible transfer of Marco Reus as Los Blancos lead the chase for his signature, according to reports.

BeIn Sports claims Real are ready to battle it out with fierce rivals Barcelona for the German’s signature. As well as the two Spanish giants, a host of Premier League clubs are interested in signing the midfielder, including Liverpool, who had identified him as the perfect replacement for Raheem Sterling who left for Manchester City.

According to the report, the 10-time Champions League winners are willing to match the 50 million euro asking price for Reus. The playmaker struggled with injury last season but still netted 11 goals in 29 appearances.

Since joining Dortmund in 2012, the 26-year-old has scored 53 times in 119 games. He missed out on Germany’s World Cup triumph in Brazil last summer through injury though.

Los Blancos have been linked with Reus in the past and although the have a host of attacking options at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Dortmund man is seen as one of the hottest properties in European football.

Should he sign for the club, it would almost certainly spell the end for Denis Cheryshev, who was loaned to Villarreal last season and has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.

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Former Atletico de Madrid striker Diego Forlan has commented on the departure of ex-Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas, saying his move to Porto is a ‘step down’.

The 34-year-old keeper left the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this summer to sign a two-year deal with Julen Lopetegui’s side – bringing the curtain down on a 25-year career with the 10-time Champions League winners.

Writing in his column in The National, Forlan said Porto is a big club but not on the same level as Real. He also said former Manchester United forward Robin van Persie had made a similar step down in leaving the Red Devils for Fenerbahce.

“I have huge respect for Porto, another great club who consistently challenge for titles. They identify players, develop them and then sell them on for a profit, but let’s not pretend they’re Real Madrid, one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s a step down for Casillas, just as Robin van Persie leaving Manchester United for Fenerbahce is also a step down,” he wrote.

He also said he disagreed with Xavi about the way in which Casillas left. The former Barcelona star was given a hero’s send off at the end of last season while Casillas seemingly exited through the back door having taken part in a press conference on his own and then appearing alongside FLorentino Perez in front of a few hundred fans at a hastily organised event.

“I can see his point, but Xavi’s departure from Barcelona last month wasn’t a normal experience.

“What would have been the reaction for Xavi had he left the previous year when Barca won nothing? It wouldn’t have been the happy exit it was this time. Casillas could have left Madrid a year ago, and walked out as a European champion.”

 

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Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa might be set to return to Liverpool, the club where he played three seasons between 2007 and 2009.

The Los Blancos home-grown right-back is set to leave Madrid after the Spanish club have signed Brazilian Danilo from Porto. Real have now three men for that position and Rafa Benitez can only find room for two: Daniel Carvajal and Danilo.

Thus, the 32-year-old has started considering his options. He has had offers from the Major League Soccer, but he believes he can still play at a high level in one of Europe’s big leagues, although here he would make less money.

Napoli have reportedly shown a big interest in signing the Spanish international, but Liverpool have also contacted him and that is an option he is seriously taking into consideration.

Arbeloa has very good memories of his three years at Anfield Road and believes Liverpool are building a strong squad that will aspire to win titles. He knows he would probably have a minor role in the team, but he is still seduced by the idea.

Real Madrid are willing to obtain five million euros for Arbeloa and that could be the main problem for his return to the Premier League. Liverpool would probably seek a free transfer, so Arbeloa will have to convince Florentino Perez to let him leave. Those negotiations could take the whole summer.

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Marco Asensio

Real Madrid players Borja Mayoral and Marco Asensio have lead the Spanish Under-19 national team that has conquered the European Championship in Greece.

The Los Blancos number 9 scored the first goal in Spain’s 2-0 victory in the final against Russia, while Asensio assisted Nahuel to make it two and seal the victory.

Asensio was also key in the semi-final against France, scoring the two goals that qualified Spain with a 2-0 win.

Mayoral received the Golden Shoe as the top scorer of the tournament, having netted three goals against Germany and Russia. The 18-year-old has sealed an incredible season in which he has scored more than 50 goals for Los Merengues youth teams and he has earned a place to play next season for Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid Castilla.

Meanwhile, Asensio has been one of the best footballers of the season in the Spanish second division playing for Mallorca. Real Madrid secured his signing in the last winter transfer market and now Rafa Benitez will have to decide about his immediate future. The 19-year-old will most likely leave on loan to La Liga side. Many clubs have already shown an interested in him, including Espanyol and Betis.

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Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president

The agent of former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has continued his attack on club president Florentino Perez.

Santos Marquez last week said his client was forced out of the club and sold against his wishes after Los Blancos had identified David de Gea to be the new number one at the club.

Now, the agent has attacked the president again for his treatment or ex-Real players Samuel Eto’o and Claude Makelele. He stopped short of labelling Perez racist, but claimed he does not like black players.

In an interview with AS, Marques stated: “He hasn’t uttered one single truth in years. What he says is his truth, and that is the same as preaching. He kicked out the best people he has ever known.

“He thinks of himself as Madrid’s god but he only causes unrest. Those long-distance tours… it’s madness, they really take it out of the players… Before, nobody spoke out of courtesy and education and now no one speaks out because he’s made them slaves.

“For Makelele, for a lack of respect. Florentino doesn’t like black players; he’s not a racist but he doesn’t like them. I also fought with him over Eto’o. Samuel was just as much a galactico as [Luis] Figo. He left for the colour of his skin.”

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New Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has said he is delighted to return to the club.

The 28-year-old returns from Espanyol for a six-million-euro fee to the club he played for as a youngster. Casilla left the Santiago Bernabeu in 2008 after eight years to gain first team football.

Now, with more than 100 La Liga appearances under his belt, he is ready to fight for his place in the team at the 10-time Champions League winners.

The shot stopper gave an interview to the club’s official website before jetting off to Australia, where he will meet up with he new team mates and manager.

He said: “I’m aware that what is happening to me doesn’t happen to many people. It’s a privilege to sign for Real Madrid and return to my roots. I have a great opportunity ahead of me and I want to give my all and fight for this club.”

He went on to add: “I can’t wait to get started. I want to be with my team mates and get to know the management team as well. I want to start training. Here, there are no excuses. You have everything you need to work hard and improve. The facilities at the club are fantastic.”

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Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has said there were plenty of positives to take from the game against Roma, despite Los Blancos losing on penalties.

After a 0-0 draw at the MCG, Lucas Vasquez missed his kick for Real and former Barcelona man Seydou Keita netted the following penalty to secure the two points in the International Champions Cup competition.

Benitez picked a strong team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Marcelo and Raphael Varane. Karim Benzema, Isco and Toni Kroos all got game time too.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the new boss said he was happy with what he’d seen considering the players have only been back in training for five days.

There were plenty of positives, the team put good pressure on and created chances. We just have to take those chances. We’ve only been working for 5 days and it’s normal that we’re not quite at full speed. The team looked good to me in a number of areas, but we still have to make adjustments”.

“The most positive thing about the team was that it pressed well, was pretty organised and won balls back. We enjoyed control and carved out dangerous situations; the final one for Lucas was a pretty clear one. The team needs to be given time. In the first half we enjoyed better control and got ourselves into good attacking positions; in the second we showed more energy,” he commented.

And the manager added: “The team has a very good attitude and is showing desire in its work. It was a shame not to be able to give Lazo and Llorente a game, but this is intense training that’s about getting up to speed. Pre-seasons are there to work hard and look at players. Those who aren’t so established have to work hard to show that they want to be here, that’s the norm in all pre-seasons.”

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Real Madrid stars Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos have spoken of their delight at travelling to Australia for the club’s pre-season tour and said they have been amazed by the support Down Under.

The pair both featured for Los Blancos on Saturday evening as the team drew 0-0 against Roma but lost 7-6 on penalties at the MCG in Melbourne.

On Sunday, the squad took part in an event organised by sponsors adidas, and the players were asked about their experiences in Australia so far.

Bale, about to start his third season at the club, said: “The stadium was incredible and it was amazing to experience at atmosphere like that. We did ok against Roma and now we are already thinking about the game against Manchester City. It’s amazing to come to a new country.”

He German team mate also spoke highly of the welcome they have received in Melbourne. He stated: “It’s a joy to be here and see so much support for Real Madrid. The only thing is that it’s cold here at the moment and I prefer warmer climates!”

New midfielder Lucas Vasquez also gave his thoughts, commenting: “It’s a beautiful country that I’ve enjoyed a lot and I love being here.”

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