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Joselu’s Emotional Farewell: “Hardest Moment Of My Entire Career”

Joselu's Emotional Farewell: "Hardest Moment Of My Entire Career"

Kylian Mbappe took his time adapting to the number nine position last season, and while he eventually made the transition look easy, there was a period where it looked like Real Madrid made a mistake by letting Joselu leave.

The veteran striker, after all, slotted in as the perfect replacement when Karim Benzema left the club and did not demand a major role. Instead, he made the most of his few minutes and contributed as a solid goalscorer in dire situations.

His departure, in many ways, was a personal decision and he would certainly have had a place under Xabi Alonso, especially considering that the manager was seriously looking for a ‘Joselu-like’ player just over a month ago.

Joselu speaks to the media

Speaking to the media in a recent interview, the former Real Madrid striker commented on a plethora of topics including his departure from the club, various players at Real Madrid including some of the new signings.

He first began by recalling how it was to leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia and the stark change in terms of his performances on the field and personal life outside it.

“At first it was complicated. You come from winning the Champions League with the best club in the world, and the Euros with Spain. And the change to any club, coming from Real Madrid, is great,” he said.

“Throughout my career, I was able to enjoy the most modest football and then feel what it meant to be in Madrid. The decision not to stay there was hard, but you also think a little about your family and your age,” he added on why he left.

“The first few months were a little difficult, but I’m already adapted here,” he concluded.

Remembering winning the UEFA Champions League in 2023-24 at the club and the decisive performance he delivered against Bayern Munich to go down in the club’s history, Joselu said,

“That’s how it is and that’s how they make me feel. This summer I visited my house in Madrid and, although more than a year has passed, people still remember me on the street from those Bernabeu games.”

“On social networks, when Madrid plays, many people continue to remember me and I will always be eternally grateful to all those fans,” he added.

Jovially replying to a hypothetical question on what he would do if Xabi Alonso offered him a short stint at the club, Joselu was caught in a fix but stuck to his commitment of not returning.

“It puts me in a commitment. In principle, I rule out going back to Spain. And also, be a coach. I’ll have had enough football when I retire.”

“This summer I have had offers from Spanish and European Champions League clubs, but no: me and my family are fine in Qatar. Leaving Madrid was the hardest moment of my entire career, because I was leaving behind the dream of a child,” he added.

Joselu and Dani Carvajal share a close bond via their family, and the former Real Madrid player was asked to provide an update on the right-back as of their latest meeting.

“I saw him with great desire, like a kid who just got on the first team. He is impatient, wanting to help his club win and be able to be the player with the most titles in the history of Madrid.”

“You already know him: Dani is a gladiator. He has had a very serious injury and there he is. We are talking about the best right-back in the history of Real Madrid in every way,” he added.

On whether the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold complicated matters for the right-back or benefits him, Joselu said,

“We have seen Madrid sign others in Carvajal’s position, but Dani has a competitive gene that is not normal. In the end, you must have two players per position for the number of games there are.”

“So they don’t have to worry about either. There will be moments for both of us. It is unsustainable to play 60-70 games. Dani also changed her nutrition plans and has always improved,” he added.

Joselu was then asked to comment on the departure of Lucas Vazquez and whether it was right of the club to decide to part ways with him.

“Lucas is a great friend of mine. We talked a few days ago on the phone. He has been a very important player and I think he is a legend of the club, a special player. He helped me a lot when I arrived.”

“But, of course, Madrid is that complicated when you have to leave. I had a very hard time when I saw his farewell at the Bernabéu. Anyway, I wish him all the best always because he is someone special to me,” he added.

The striker then commented on Kylian Mbappe who won the Pichichi trophy last year and whether he was the best striker in world football and could win the Ballon d’Or.

“He is the Golden Boot, but in Madrid you also need the titles won, right? He is an innate scorer, with barbaric conditions, but the Ballon d’Or thing is a bit matched to having titles that year.”

“The fans demand it from him, the club demands it from him, football demands it from him. This year, with the adaptation already done, more titles will come, I hope, for the club and for him,” he added.

He also gave his two cents on Gonzalo Garcia who exploded at the FIFA Club World Cup and whether the youngster should stay with the first team.

“I already said that he was a boy who trained with us, when I was there, and he had terrible conditions, scoring many goals in the subsidiary.”

“I have talked to him and he has always asked me a lot. He’s going to give everything for the shield,” he added.

Finally, the player admitted that it would be warm to have a chance to say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu once more before he retires.

“When I make the decision to leave football in a few years, it would be incredible if I could get to the Real Madrid stadium and they could pay a little tribute.”

“It would be a special moment for me, because that club was my life. Live that in an official game, be able to do something in the previous. It would be something very nice,” he added.

Madriduniversal.com

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LaLiga

Thibaut Courtois Opens Up On ‘Better Or Worse’ Moments With Xabi Alonso After Crucial Real Madrid Win

Courtois Acknowledges Ups And Downs With Alonso After Madrid’s Much-Needed Win

Real Madrid finally hit the reset button at San Mames, ending a frustrating three-match winless streak away from home with a confident 3-0 victory over Athletic Club. But beyond the scoreline, what caught attention was Thibaut Courtois’ candid admission that the squad’s relationship with manager Xabi Alonso has seen “better or worse moments”.

The Belgian goalkeeper—who made a crucial save at 1-0 to keep the momentum alive—praised the team’s response while subtly hinting at the internal pressures the club has faced in recent weeks.

It was a victory Madrid needed, not just for points, but for peace.

Madrid Break Slump With Their “Most Complete Display”

Xabi Alonso described the performance as Real Madrid’s best of the season, and it’s hard to argue:

  • Controlled tempo

  • Improved pressing

  • Better defensive organisation

  • Sharper transitions

After three disappointing league draws, Los Blancos finally rediscovered the level expected from a title-chasing squad.

Courtois admitted that the team’s drop in intensity—especially during the sluggish outing against Girona—was unacceptable. “If you don’t play at 100%, you can easily be beaten,” he said.

But the win didn’t come without a price.

Both Eduardo Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up injuries—adding to Madrid’s already overloaded medical room.

Courtois Clears The Air: “We’re Always Close To Him”

With rumours swirling about a fractured dressing room, Courtois made a deliberate effort to calm the noise.

Speaking to Spanish media, he clarified:

  • There’s no major conflict between Alonso and the squad

  • Tension is normal in football

  • External speculation exaggerated the situation

His exact words:
“In relationships, there are always better or worse moments… On the outside, there’s always noise, but internally, we don’t notice it.”

It was a subtle but important message—Madrid might not be perfect, but the dressing room isn’t in flames either.

Reports Still Suggest A Dressing-Room Divide

Despite Courtois’ reassurance, the wider narrative remains tense.

Several reports have pointed to:

  • Confusion over Alonso’s tactics

  • Inconsistent roles for senior players

  • Friction with big personalities

  • Vinicius Jr.’s public frustration and contract hesitation

Madrid’s tactical experiments early in the season didn’t help, especially after the heavy defeat to Atletico Madrid and a dip in intensity throughout November.

The victory at San Mames may have paused the noise, but it hasn’t silenced it.

Madrid’s Turning Point… Or Temporary Relief?

There’s no question Madrid needed this win.
But one performance doesn’t erase the concerns:

  • Inconsistent pressing

  • Overreliance on individual brilliance

  • Mounting injuries

  • Internal pressure on Alonso’s project

The 3-0 win buys time—but the spotlight stays on.

If Real Madrid want to regain control of the title race and calm the storm around Alonso, they’ll need consistency, not just moments.

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LaLiga

Trent Alexander-Arnold Suffers Fresh Blow As Real Madrid Confirm Two-Month Injury Layoff

Trent Alexander-Arnold limping off after suffering a thigh injury during Real Madrid’s La Liga match.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Set For Two Months Out After Latest Injury Blow

Real Madrid have confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold has suffered a rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, adding yet another setback to what has been a turbulent debut season in Spain. The 27-year-old lasted barely ten minutes after the restart against Athletic Club before limping off—an image that now defines Madrid’s growing injury crisis.

This injury is expected to keep him out for around two months, a huge blow for Los Blancos at a time when consistency and defensive stability are desperately needed.

A Promising Night Cut Short

Before the injury struck, Alexander-Arnold had delivered his first La Liga assist, showing glimpses of the attacking brilliance Madrid signed him for. But just as he appeared to be settling into rhythm, disaster hit again.

Real Madrid’s medical tests confirmed the muscular damage, marking his second major injury spell this season. Earlier, he missed six weeks with a hamstring strain, and Spanish media have been questioning whether he has fully adapted to Madrid’s intensity.

Just when Madrid needed continuity, they’re right back to patchwork solutions.

Madrid’s Right-Back Problem Just Got Worse

With Dani Carvajal already out until 2026, Alexander-Arnold’s absence leaves Xabi Alonso with no natural senior right-back available. That means another round of improvisation:

  • Federico Valverde, a midfielder by trade

  • Raul Asencio, a developing squad option

Both players can fill in, but neither offers the natural defensive profile Madrid require—especially during a jam-packed winter schedule featuring La Liga battles, European fixtures, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The more Valverde is forced into defensive duties, the less influence he can provide in midfield—a trade-off Alonso would rather avoid.

A Recovery That Needs Patience And Precision

The rectus femoris injury is particularly tricky for players who rely heavily on acceleration, long-range passing, and overlapping runs—three staples of Alexander-Arnold’s game. With his earlier hamstring problem still fresh, Madrid are expected to be extremely cautious.

Rushing him back could risk an even longer spell on the sidelines, something both club and player desperately want to avoid.

For now, his debut season at the Santiago Bernabeu remains disrupted, inconsistent, and full of unanswered questions. Madrid need him, but they need him fully fit—not half ready.

What This Means For Real Madrid

Real Madrid now face:

  • A thin defensive line

  • A congested fixture schedule

  • Tactical compromises

  • Increased squad pressure

Xabi Alonso must find balance, stability, and results… without his two senior right-backs. It’s a huge test of depth and adaptability—one that could shape Madrid’s season.

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Jude Bellingham And Thomas Tuchel Compared To Roy Keane And Sir Alex Ferguson Amid England Selection Debate

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel during England training session.

Jude Bellingham is once again the centre of England’s hottest debate — but this time, it’s not about his talent. It’s about respect, relationship, and World Cup readiness.

As the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage draw, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has compared Bellingham’s relationship with England boss Thomas Tuchel to one of football’s most famous and fiery partnerships: Roy Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson.

A Relationship Under Scrutiny

Bellingham missed October’s fixtures while recovering from shoulder surgery, and even after returning to action for Real Madrid, Tuchel surprisingly left him out of England’s squad.

He eventually returned in November, and despite England completing qualification flawlessly, talk surfaced again after a 2-0 win over Albania — particularly around Bellingham’s temperament and attitude.

Tuchel has been firm: he wants harmony in camp, and players who disrupt that won’t make the plane to North America.

This led many to question whether England’s brightest star could actually be dropped.

Wes Brown: “It’s All About Respect.”

Speaking with GOAL via BetWright Casino, Brown didn’t shy away from the topic.

He said the situation reminds him of the dynamic between Keane and Ferguson — two strong personalities who didn’t always get along, but always respected each other’s roles in winning.

“You still need respect between the manager and the player. We all know how good Jude is… but the respect levels have to be right. At any football club, when two people don’t get on, you find a way to work it out.”

Brown believes the same applies here. Tuchel knows he needs Bellingham. Bellingham knows he’s a key figure. The middle ground is simple: mutual respect.

Danny Murphy: “The Talk Around His Character Is Strange.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy dismissed the negative narratives surrounding Bellingham.

He told GOAL:

“If you had 11 Jude Bellinghams, you’d win most tournaments.”

Murphy highlighted the midfielder’s leadership, intensity, passion, and clutch performances as evidence that his so-called “arrogance” is simply the mentality required to dominate at the highest level.

He added:

“We should be building him up, applauding him, and being thankful we have him — not trying to pull him down.”

Too Good To Leave Out

Despite debates about personality clashes or non-football behaviour, one thing remains certain:

England’s chances of winning the World Cup dramatically increase if Jude Bellingham is on the pitch.

He’s the game-changer, the spark, the one who drags the team forward when things get tough.

And like Keane and Ferguson, even imperfect relationships can win trophies — as long as the respect is right.

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