Real Madrid has been making headlines recently with key updates. Federico Valverde reflected on his Ballon d’Or finish, expressing surprise at not placing higher. Meanwhile, the club confirmed that Éder Militão successfully underwent knee surgery, marking a crucial step in his recovery. Additionally, Xabi Alonso has yet to decide his future, with rumors linking him to Real Madrid; however, the Basque manager is set to publicly deny any agreement, with his focus on making a decision by March.
Real Madrid Star Reflects: ‘I Expected to Finish a Little Higher’ in Ballon d’Or Voting
This week, Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde opened up about his position in the Ballon d’Or voting.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was held at the end of last month.
In the end, it was Manchester City’s Rodri who claimed the top honor at the event, receiving the ‘Golden Ball’ trophy in recognition of his achievements with both the Sky Blues and Spain.
This was met with disappointment at Real Madrid, where it had been expected for months that Vinícius Jr. would be named the best player in world football.
In fact, Florentino Pérez and the others went so far as to completely boycott the ceremony in Paris.
As mentioned earlier, Vinícius wasn’t the only player from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad to feel disappointed with his final position in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
In an interview with Universo Valdano on Movistar+ this week, Federico Valverde discussed his 17th-place finish.
The Uruguayan went on to acknowledge:
“I expected to be a little higher, but it was a tremendous honor. I was very happy, although I expected to be a couple of positions higher. I don’t ask for much more.”
Real Madrid Player Successfully Completes Surgery
On Tuesday, La Liga giants Real Madrid confirmed that Éder Militão has successfully undergone knee surgery.
Defender Militão, for his part, was unfortunately ruled out for another extended period earlier this month.
During Real’s 4-0 La Liga victory over Osasuna, the Brazilian international collapsed in clear pain and had to be stretchered off the field in a worrying moment.
A subsequent series of medical tests confirmed the worst – Militão had suffered a second ACL tear in just over a year.
The 26-year-old has spent the past week recovering at home, preparing for a long and challenging road to full fitness.
As mentioned earlier, Tuesday morning marked the first major step forward in his recovery.
According to a statement on Real Madrid’s website and social media channels:
‘Our player Eder Militão has successfully undergone surgery today on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Under the direction of Real Madrid Medical Services, Dr. Manuel Leyes carried out the procedure.
‘Militão will start his recovery process in the next few days.’
Xabi Alonso Yet to Decide Future, Will Reject Rumors
Bayer Leverkusen not only boast a roster of players drawing the interest of Europe’s top clubs ahead of next summer, but also arguably the most sought-after manager in Europe. Xabi Alonso has been linked with a move to Real Madrid next summer, yet the Basque coach has made no such announcement.
According to Marca, neither Xabi Alonso nor Bayer Leverkusen have taken any steps regarding his future, considering his contract runs until 2026. Alonso is expected to make a decision about his future in March, and it’s noted that he typically makes such choices with logic rather than emotion. Regarding the rumors, the Spanish outlet reports that Alonso will publicly deny any agreement with Real Madrid during his next press conference.
They acknowledge that there is an agreement between Leverkusen and Alonso, allowing him to leave if he chooses, but nothing more than that. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that Real Madrid has not pursued a new manager before the season ends in either of their last two managerial appointments.
Reports from Germany suggest that those close to Leverkusen believe Xabi Alonso will leave the club next summer, and there’s no doubt that Real Madrid sees him as a potential future manager. These rumors have been fueled by Real Madrid’s recent poor form and mounting pressure on Carlo Ancelotti. If results don’t improve, the Italian manager may be forced out at the end of the season.
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