news-engine

Real Madrid News Real Sociedad icon looks back on failed Real Madrid transfer move: ‘It was a serious option’ Former Real Sociedad striker Darko Kovacevic has an interesting history with Real Madrid, not least because he once came close to wearing the white shirt himself. The former Serbian striker was involved in negotiations with Madrid in 1999 during his first spell at Real Sociedad, but the deal dragged on, and he eventually accepted an offer from Juventus instead. He would later become something of a thorn in Madrid’s side after returning to Real Sociedad. Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Los Blancos in total, including a brace in Sociedad’s memorable 4-2 victory in 2003 and another goal in a remarkable 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu the following year. In an interview, as quoted by AS, Kovacevic spoke about his failed move to Madrid. “It was a serious option. We spoke for several months, but the signing was not completed, time passed, and Juventus appeared with very strong interest,” he said. Kovacevic compares his story to Rodri Asked whether his situation resembled Rodri’s decision to choose Barcelona after Madrid showed interest, Kovacevic agreed. “It could be very similar to what I experienced. If what I read and hear is true, Madrid had been interested for some time, there were doubts, they did not close it earlier, and then Barcelona appeared at the end,” he said. Kovacevic also described Rodri’s transfer to Barça as “the signing of the summer internationally”. He also felt that the €75 million fee for a 30-year-old was justified when the player has the pedigree that Rodri does. “Clubs think a lot about age and how much football a player has left, but if he gives you four or five good years, for me the investment is already justified,” he explained. Every team has extra motivation against Madrid Kovacevic scored 10 goals against Real Madrid during his career, but insisted there was never any bitterness over the move that failed to happen. “Against Madrid, every team has extra motivation because the big clubs force you to give your maximum. Everyone wants to beat them because those victories have huge impact,” he said. He also addressed Madrid’s midfield needs after missing out on Rodri. “Madrid wanted Rodri and could have gone for Zubimendi a year ago, but Mourinho is the one who has to decide whether he needs that type of player,” Kovacevic explained. Diomande and Espi get his backing On Yan Diomande’s enormous transfer fee, Kovacevic was measured. “He is a great player and has a fantastic future ahead of him. Madrid have made a big investment in him, and time will tell whether he is worth that money,” he said. He was far more certain about Carlos Espi. “I like that kid. He has present and future. He is the type of striker big teams always need. Madrid did very well with Joselu, and I think they will do very well with Espi too. He looks like a great signing,” Kovacevic elaborated. He was also asked who he would sign for Madrid if they had an unlimited budget, and his answer was interesting. “I would try for Lamine Yamal,” he concluded. Another ‘what could have been’ story Looking back, Kovacevic’s story remains one of those fascinating Real Madrid “what ifs”. A powerful, prolific No. 9 who eventually became so effective against Madrid could easily have been scoring those goals in white instead. There is also some irony in how things developed. Madrid missed out on Kovacevic and then repeatedly suffered at his hands after he returned to Spain. More than two decades later, the story has repeated itself with Rodri, and Los Blancos will hope that the Barça midfielder does not subject them to the same kind of performances in the coming seasons. Real Madrid News 19-year-old Argentine starlet reflects on difficult Real Madrid spell: ‘It wasn’t easy’ When Real Madrid signed Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer, he was widely regarded as one of, if not the biggest, South American talents coming through. Los Blancos fast-tracked him straight into the first team under Xabi Alonso, but the teenager struggled to adapt to life in Madrid. Mastantuono left on loan to Fiorentina in the summer in a bid to get regular game time away from the Santiago Bernabeu. The Argentine winger experienced a turbulent campaign at Madrid, working under three different coaches: Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and, very briefly, Jose Mourinho. A difficult season Speaking to DSports, Mastantuono admitted his year in Madrid had been challenging but believes the experience ultimately helped his development. “We all had a difficult season in Madrid. It wasn’t easy,” Mastantuono said. “These things always help you improve and learn. Fiorentina isn’t about revenge, but an opportunity to show the player I am and help Fiorentina become great again,” he explained. Rather than viewing this move to Italy as an opportunity to move away from Madrid, he seems keen on using the experience he gained there to succeed in Italy. Mastantuono embraces the pressure The Argentine also discussed the demands of representing Real Madrid, something he had already experienced in a different form while playing for River Plate. “I had the privilege of playing for River and Real Madrid, incredible teams,” he said. “There is pressure, but it is part of the sport. I like it. For me, it is a game as well as a job, of course,” Mastantuono revealed. That attitude perhaps explains why Mastantuono has gone searching for game time this season rather than staying at Madrid. No bad blood over Real Madrid exit Importantly, Mastantuono dismissed any suggestion that his departure from Real Madrid came following a breakdown in his relationship with the club. Earlier in the summer, it had emerged that the Argentinian wanted to return to River Plate, which Los Blancos did not agree to. However, even if that situation actually transpired, it looks like it was sorted out amicably. “When I spoke with Real Madrid, it was a cordial and friendly conversation,” he explained. “I decided to leave the club. I had many options, and I thank everyone who showed interest,” he concluded. Mastantuono’s departure puts a pause on a short and complicated chapter for a player who arrived with a lot of expectations. The good thing for him is that he is only on loan at Fiorentina and could return to Madrid, where the book is still open. The first chapter may have been difficult, but there is no necessity for the trend to continue through the rest of the chapters. Mastantuono’s priority now is to have a good season at Fiorentina, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future in the Spanish capital in the coming seasons.