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Real Madrid have given up hope of signing Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale this year, according to reports.

Los Blancos have been linked with the Wales star all summer long but are believed to be ready to put the potential transfer on hold for 12 months due to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s refusal to bow to pressure to sell him.

A number of Real players have used the Madrid press to urge Bale to sign for the club, while Zinedine Zidane said in May that the club would be prepared to pay whatever it takes to land the player’s signature.

But Madrid-based daily Marca said Real have been frustrated in their attempts to deal with Levy, who has steadfastly refused to negotiate with the Santiago Bernabeu side.

Unlike Luka Modric, who pushed for a move to Madrid, Bale is believed to be happy to stay for another season and maintain his good relationship with the Spurs faithful. The PFA Footballer of the Year is keen to play Champions League football and to test himself in another league, but feels that at the age of just 23, he still has time on his side.

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Isco cleared people’s doubts over him being a Barcelona fan during his unveiling as Real Madrid player, as both Madrid sports newspapers highlight.

“I am the biggest Real Madrid supporter now”, he said. Some media had stated he was a Barcelona fan because he named his dog Messi, but he replied he also had another dog named Figo.

As emphasizes that “7.000 fans attended the presentation”. “The club had to leave the stadium’s doors open due to the avalanche of fans”, says Marca.

The most sold Spanish daily also claims in its front page that Real’s soon to be star Jese Rodriguez is considering not extending his contract with the club, due to his doubts on whether he will have the minutes of play he wants.

Meanwhile, As publishes a poll among its readers that places Vicente del Bosque as “the best manager in the history of Spanish football”.

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Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is happy to be playing in Spain but misses English football too.

Much speculation has surround the Portuguese star in recent months, with his former club Manchester United prepared to offer him a route back to Old Trafford, where he is still idolized by the fans.

The Red Devils would need to come up with an enormous offer to tempt Los Blancos into parting with their man – who they signed for a world record fee in the summer of 2009. The Santiago Bernabeu club also insists Ronaldo will sign an extension to his current contract, which has two years left to run.

Speaking during a trip to Singapore as part of his holidays, the 28-year-old said:  “I miss English football. For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss.

“But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too. Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league.”

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Last week Real Madrid put an end to numerous rumours about the future manager of Los Blancos, making Carlo Ancelotti’s signing official. The former PSG boss will be the fifth Italian at the club, and all of them have been synonymous for winning titles.

The first Italian to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu was Fabio Capello, who took charge at Chamartin in the 1996/97 season, on the back of his previous success at Milan. The Italian manager arrived after Los Merengues had ended the previous season without claiming any title, and he put an end to that lack of trophies winning La Liga against Ronaldo’s Barcelona.

Capello left the club at the end of that year, but he planted the seed for the squad that would win the Champions League the following season, ending a 32-year wait. However, ten years later, he came back to Real Madrid and, again, he won la Liga putting an end to Barca’s triumphal era –they had won two leagues in a row and one Champions League.

The second Italian to arrive to Real was Christian Panucci, who was signed by Capello in the winter transfer market of the 1996/97 season. The right-back spent two and a half seasons and at the club, winning one La Liga title and one Champions League.

Santiago Bernabeu fans had to wait several years to see another Italian, until the 2005/2006 season, when Antonio Cassano arrived midway through the campaign. The Azzurri forward’s signing was based on his excellent skills and for being one of the most talented players in European football. However, the Bernabeu saw his class in dribs and drabs during the two seasons he wore the white shirt. He won the league in 2007 though.

The last Italian to pass by Real Madrid was Fabio Cannavaro, who lead Los Blancos defence for three campaigns. The centre-back arrived in Madrid in the summer of 2006 after winning the World Cup with Italy. He conquered two La Liga trophies and has been the Italian to last the longest time at the club.

All the Azzurri that have been part of Real Madrid have one at least one title. Will Carlo Ancelotti continue that streak?

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New Real Madrid player Isco has told reporters that playing for the club represents the pinnacle for a footballer.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was officially unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday after passing a medical and putting pen-to-paper on a five-year deal.

Thousands of Los Blancos fans turned up to see the player take to the pitch as a Real player for the first time and to give him a rousing welcome.

Speaking to members of the press after his unveiling as a Los Blancos player, Isco said: “First of all, I want to thank the efforts of the president, my family, and love of all the fans.”

The fomer Malaga player, who will wear the number 23 shirt for Madrid, added: “For a player there is nothing greater than being at Real Madrid; it is the ultimate. I hope to enjoy it a lot here, and delight everyone, winning many titles for Real Madrid.”

Club president Florentino Perez spoke of his delight at being able to capture the gifted attacker.

“Isco had offers from other clubs, but he has chosen to play for Real Madrid. Isco is joining a club that doesn’t know the word impossible. This is your stadium and your home. Welcome to Real Madrid,” he said.

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Real Madrid have ruled out Edison Cavani’s signing because Florentino Perez is not willing to pay the 63 million euro buy-out clause that the Uruguayan has with Napoli, Ernesto Bronzetti has claimed.

Bronzetti, an Italian intermediary who has worked for Real Madrid in a number of deals, gave an interview to Italian TV show Il Mattino.

“I have spoken to his agents. Last month they were contacted by Real Madrid, but the deal is almost ruled out by Los Blancos, at least in Napoli keeps on requesting that amount”, he said.

After having a terrific performance at the Confederations Cup for Uruguay, scoring three goals, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are now the main candidates to sign the 26-year old. The striker has arrived in Napoli to discuss his future with the club’s president Aurelio de Laurentiis.

Cavani declared he had dreamed of playing for Real Madrid as a child, but his dream seems farther unless Napoli agree to negotiate a more reasonable price.

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Both Madrid sport dailies highlight in their front pages Real Madrid’s youngster Jese Rodriguez brilliant performance against Mexico at the Under-20 World Cup.

The 20-year old forward scored a goal in the last minute to lead Spain’s 2-1 victory, after starting loosing 0-1. “Andale Jese!”, says Marca. “Decisive Jese’s goal in the 91st minute”, titles As, who points out the first Spain’s goal was also scored by young Madridista Derik Osede.

Marca puts its main focus on today’s unveiling of Isco as Real Madrid player. “The future is here”, they claim.

Meanwhile, As publishes a poll in which they claim that “anti-Madridism is growing”. In a yearly poll made every year in all La Liga stadiums, 34% per cent of the people responded Real is one of their three favourite teams, while 55% said it is among their three most hated.

As also reports about Gareth Bale latest declarations stating that he prefers “Spanish football over the others”. “Bale makes his first conspirational wink”, they title.

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Brazilian defender Marcelo has said his recent success with his national side in lifting the Confederations Cup has left him more determined than ever to won trophies with Real Madrid.

The left back was one of the outstanding performers against Spain in the final as Brazil beat the World and European champions 3-0.

It was the highlight in a difficult campaign for Marcelo, who was injured for long periods of the season and had to watch as his Real team mates suffered defeats and were knocked out of all competitions.

Added to that the lack of dressing room harmony in the final season under Jose Mourinho and it was a tough time for all concerned.

But speaking to Marca, Marceloa said he is happy with his progress and is looking forward to the future.

“It’s been a really tough season for me, very difficult. I had two injuries that affected my season and I was sad because I couldn’t help out my club. I have to thank God and my family, who were always by my side, and for letting me play these five Confederations Cup matches and winning,” he said.

He added that Real had never doubted him an that he will redouble his efforts next season to ensure success.

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Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Real Madrid manager will kick off with a friendly match on the south coast of England after the club added a new fixture to the pre-season calendar.

Los Blancos will take on Bournemouth on July 21 in a match designed to celebrate the home team’s promotion to the Championship.

It means the Spanish giants will have a busy schedule at the end of the month, as they take on Lyon in France three days later, and PSG in Gothenburg on July 27, before commencing their four-match tour of the USA.

Real are expected to take a strong side to the Goldsands Stadium, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Mezut Ozil all expected to be present. Having got used to playing in huge stadiums across the world, it may come as a shock to the star-studded side to play infront of just 10,700 people.

Speaking of his side’s match against their more glamorous opponents, Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell said: “Real Madrid are at the pinnacle of global sport and to host them will be an honour for the squad, management and supporters of AFC Bournemouth. We are honoured to have been chosen”

Emilio Butragueno, Real Madrid director, stated: “The friendly match will be a fantastic opportunity for both teams and we are looking forward to travelling to Bournemouth and to the Goldsands Stadium. We look forward the challenge presented to us by our English opponents.”

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Gareth Bale has done little to quash rumours of a move to Real Madrid by revealing his favourite league to watch is the Spanish La Liga.

In an interview with Esquire magazine, the Welshman said he admired the technical ability of the players in the Spanish league.

He also admitted he would like to test himself in another league outside the Premier League at some point during his playing career.

Los Blancos have been linked with a big-money move for Bale all summer long, with some of the senior players in the squad, including Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos, urging him to make the move to the Spanish capital.

Bale scored 26 goals in all appearances for Spurs last season and was voted the PFA Player of the Year.

He told Esquire: “I probably prefer Spanish football to the others. It’s very technical the way they play, they keep the ball well and whenever Spurs have played against Spanish teams in the past they’ve always made it difficult for us.

“So I’d say that Spanish football is probably the best I’ve seen. Obviously, I’d like to try other leagues in the future. Every player would like to get as high as they can and try different things.It’s something that the future holds and it’s something that I’m very interested to try in the least.”

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