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Real Madrid will not negotiate a Gareth Bale sale under any circumstance, sources from the Santiago Bernabeu have revealed following Louis Van Gaal’s words about a possible Manchester United bid for the Welshman.

The Dutch manager refused to rule out a 150 million euros move for the former Tottenham Hotspur man, claiming “I discuss that with my CEO and not anyone from the media.”

A poll conducted by Madrid-based sports newspaper As showed that 53% of Los Blancos fans would welcome Bale’s sale. However, Florentino Perez is not willing to let the 25-year-old leave.

Spanish sports anchorman has revealed Los Merengues “are taking that rumour as a joke.” Meanwhile, radio journalist Miguel Angel Diaz argued the offer “is real”, but “Madrid will not take it into consideration unless the player asks to negotiate.”

Bale arrived to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2013 on a 91-million-euro deal. Since his arrival, the Wales international has helped Los Blancos conquer four titles, including the club’s tenth Champions League and the Club World Cup.

Florentino sees Bale as a key player for the club, both in football and marketing terms. He has helped expand the sales in the British and Asian markets, while becoming an essential player in Carlo Ancelotti’s line-up. Thus, his return to the Premier League is far from happening.

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Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has once again reiterated his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world.

On a trip to Panama this week, where he is working to improve the sporting academy run by Los Blancos since 2006, Perez said the Portugal forward is ahead of his peers in the game.

The 29-year-old has had another sensational 12 months at the Santiago Bernabeu, helping his side win four trophies – the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, European Super Cup and World Club Cup. On a personal note, he has set all sorts of records and for the fourth season in a row, netted more than 50 club goals in a campaign.

Speaking to the press in the central American nation, Perez said: “Of course he’s the most complete, and not only for what he’s achieved […] without a doubt he’s the best.”

The club president also took the time to look back at what has been achieved over the past 12 months.

And he stated: “This effort is not only to win games, add another title to our trophy cabinet and to continue to grow the legend of Real Madrid – who greatly help the world from a sporting point of view -, but it also allows us to pass on our values, especially to children.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Iryna Shaik on holidays

Following their victory in the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid players have started a well-deserved holiday break, as La Liga season stops during Christmas.

Most of them have travelled home to spend the holidays with their families, but they have not forgotten to share the pleasures of leisure with their fans.

Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture on Twitter enjoying a sunny day with his family and his girlfriend Irina Shayk. The Portuguese international is spending a few days in his hometown in Madeira before travelling to Dubai for the Dubai International Sports Conference.

Los Blancos midfielder Isco spent the day shopping with his girlfriend, and he published on Instagram a picture of the new sunglasses they both bought.

Isco instagram picture

Meanwhile, James Rodriguez is spending his free time with his daughter Salome and his wife Daniela Ospina. The Colombian posted a picture on Instagram playing with the little Salome. “It’s just joy and happiness having you near,” James wrote on his post.

James Rodriguez Instagram picture

Not all Real Madrid players have left work aside these days. Jese Rodriguez has travelled to his hometown in the Canary Islands, but he’s still working to achieve his best state of shape. The young winger has recently returned to action after nine months on the sidelines, and wants to reach his best level as soon as possible.

Jese published a picture of his training by the beach with his personal trainer and wished all his fans Happy Holidays.

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Real Madrid left back Marcelo may not be fit for the start of the second half of the campaign after it was confirmed he had torn a thigh muscle at the weekend.

The Brazil defender played his part in his side’s success in the Club World Cup in Morocco as Los Blancos lifted their fourth trophy of the season. Goals from Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos secured the 2-0 wn over San Lorenzo to take the trophy back to the Spanish capital.

The win capped a glorious year for the club as the won the Copa del Rey, the Champions League and the European Super Cup in addition to the Club World Cup. Marcelo played a key part in that success as well as featuring prominently as the team has gone on to win 22 consecutive wins in all competitions – setting a new record.

Madrid don’t play again for another two weeks, meaning Marcelo shouldn’t miss too much action. The news of his injury will disappoint Madridistas but it also opens the door for Portugal defender Fabio Coentrao, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. Linked with a move away from the club, it could prove his opportunity to show what he can do to remain at the 10-time Champions League winners.

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Fabio Coentrao

Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao could move to the Premier League in the winter transfer market, according to British Newspaper Daily Express.

The Express claims Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are planning a bid to sign the Portugal international, who is not having many chances to play this season due to Marcelo’s great state of form.

Coentrao could become an important man for Ancelotti if Marcelo’s injury in the Club World Cup final turns out to be something serious. However, if the Brazilian’s muscle problems are minor, Los Blancos could take an offer into consideration.

Yet Carlo Ancelotti is not willing to let the 25-year-old leave unless they bring another left-back who can replace Marcelo when the Brazilian needs rest.

Coentrao was close to completing a Manchester United move in the summer of 2013, and the Red Devils have been interested ever since. Louis Van Gaal signed two left-backs last summer, but he doesn’t seem pleased with his current defence.

Arsenal have Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs in that position, while Liverpool signed Spaniar Alberto Moreno last summer from Sevilla. Yet, both clubs are reportedly willing to sign Coentrao if the opportunity arises.

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Iker Casillas

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said he has no reason to leave the club and sees himself at the Santiago Bernabeu for many more years.

Speculation has surrounded the 33-year-old for a while, particularly when he was playing second fiddle to Diego Lopez for 18 months before winning his place back in the team on a regular basis this season.

The search has begun for his long-term successor between the sticks, with Kaylor Navas already at the club and Los Blancos linked with a move for Manchester United star David de Gea.

Speaking in an interview with Madrid-based daily, Marca, Casillas said he feels good and has no reason to leave any time soon.

“I have a contract at the club and I have no reason to think about leaving. I’ve always felt valued and respected here so can’t reproach anyone,” he commented.

Casillas was then asked to look back at this year, in which he lifted four trophies – the Champions League, Copa del Rey, European Super Cup and Club World Cup. He also reached the landmark 700 appearances for Los Blancos.

“It’s been my best year at the club. Four trophies, and playing in all of them. I had a bad month and a half (with Spain at the World Cup) but the rest is unforgettable,” he stated.

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Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has said the Club World Cup win on Saturday was a great way to end a very special year for him.

The central midfielder reached the pinnacle with his country in the summer lifting the World Cup in Brazil. Shortly afterwards, he signed for Los Blancos and lifted the European Super Cup. On Saturday, he became the first player to win the Club World Cup with two different teams, having won the trophy with Bayern Munich 12 months ago.

Speaking to FIFA.com about the past year, Kroos said 2014 had been very special for him, and winning the trophy on Saturday was the icing on the cake.

“It’s a fantastic title to round off the year. It’s not easy to get this far, because you have to win the Champions League first. I was fortunate enough to win this trophy last year with Bayern Munich and now I’ve won it again, which doesn’t happen often, so it’s a beautiful end to a sensational year,” he said.

Looking forward to the next 12 months, Kroos said the Real Madrid players go out to win every game and want to be involved in the hunt for as many trophies as possible.

“We’re aiming to win every competition that we take part in but, at the same time, we’re aware of the difficulty involved. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are our biggest rivals in La Liga and it’s more of the same in the Champions League, where you’ve also got the likes of Chelsea or Bayern. It’s going to be a very, very tough year but we’re excited about it too,” he stated.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has said his family and friends back home in Portugal are the biggest influence in his life and motivate him to keep working hard.

The Real Madrid forward played his part in his side’s success in the Club World Cup last week as the lifted their fourth trophy of the year with a 2-0 over San Lorenzo. The 29-year-old has enjoyed yet another sensational year, and has continued to set all kinds of goalscoring records along the way.

In order to mark his achievements, a bronze statue of the Portugal captain was unveiled at his museum in his hometown of Madeira on Sunday.

Speaking at the presentation, Ronaldo told those gathered that he is proud of his roots. “I’m very proud to be here, where I grew up, where I have roots and where my family are.  These moments help to want to keep playing and winning.  I’m very happy, this is very important to me.  It’s a privilege to receive this medal, I’m speechless,” he stated.

And he promised his supporters he would work even harder to ensure 2015 is better than 2014.

“I hope 2015 will be just as unforgettable as 2014 and we can win everything we won this year.  Above all, in 2015, I hope to win the Champions League again.

“Giving speeches is not my strong suit, I’m better at playing football, as you all know.  But this is a historical moment that I’ll have a special place for this for all my life.  This gives me motivation to continue moving forward.  Thank you to all did such a special thing for me.”

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Alvaro Arbeloa has said the Real Madrid players are looking forward to 2015 and seeing whether they can top what they have achieved in 2014.

Los Blancos ended the year on a high note, defeated San Lorenzo 2-0 in Marrakech to win the Club World Cup. It was the fourth trophy of a remarkable 12 months for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

The lifted the Copa del Rey in April, seeing off Barcelona in a thrilling final in Valencia. The next month they ended their 12-year wait for La Decima, beating city rivals Atletico de Madrid 4-1 after extra time in the Champions League final in Lisbon. And in August the team travelled to Cardiff for the European Super Cup final which they won 2-0 against Sevilla.

In addition to the trophy success, the team have continued to raise the bar in general and the win over San Lorenzo was the 22nd consecutive win in all competitions.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Arbeloa said the players are proud of what they have achieved, but as professionals they want to keep looking forward and improving.

“We’ve won four trophies, so we see out 2014 in the best possible way. It tops off a tremendous year. We’ve done really well, we’re a team that looks ahead and we’re looking forward to 2015,” he commented.

And he continued: “The secret is always hard work. To be the best in the world, win 22 games in a row and achieve everything we have, the secret is to stick together, work hard and have a coach like the one we have.”

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Goalscoring hero Sergio Ramos has said the Real Madrid players have been rewarded for all their hard work in 2014.

The defender picked up the man of the match award after scoring the opening goal in the 2-0 over San Lorenzo to win the Club World Cup. He also put in a superb display at the back to keep the Argentineans at bay and help Los Blancos secure their fourth trophy of the year.

Ramos, who scored in the Champions League final as well, told reporters after the game that 2014 had been a long year but one in which the Real players had been richly rewarded.

“It’s a very special day for the club and its fans, and it’s the result of hard work. On a personal level I’m really happy, the year couldn’t have been better and I also chipped in with goals. As vice-captain I want to congratulate my team-mates for the great year we’ve had,” he said.

And he added: “It goes without saying that if you can help out in the semi-final and the final, you feel privileged to do so. At the end of the day, success is about the work you do as a group. This team was clear about its aim from the first game. I didn’t want to miss it. There was a little tear but I hope it doesn’t go any further.”

When asked if this had been his best year ever, Ramos said no other compares. “Without a doubt. I won La Décima, which I had been fighting for for so many years. Thanks to that we were here competing for this trophy. My target is to do my job well in defence, and to contribute goals is fantastic.”

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