Real Madrid news: Club World Cup, James, Guedes, Khaseif...
Today's bitesize news includes a Gremio gripe, Keylor celebrations, Ali Khaseif on his unforgettable Club World Cup display, and more.
Al-Jazira's Ali Khaseif discusses stunning display
Al-Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khaseif has looked back on his headline-grabbing performance in Wednesday's narrow Club World Cup defeat to Real Madrid. "I've played in a lot of games, but this is the most memorable one," the 30-year-old told Gulf News about the semi-final clash in Abu Dhabi, in which the tournament hosts threatened to cause a sensational upset against the Champions League holders. "It's something I'll be able to tell the kids about."
Kannemann: Real players didn't want to swap shirts
Gremio's Walter Kannemann is preparing for his second Club World Cup final against Real Madrid, having been in the San Lorenzo side that lost to the LaLiga giants in 2014's trophy decider. And speaking to Spanish radio, the defender explained that the 2-0 defeat in Morocco wasn't the only thing that left a bitter taste in the Argentinians' mouths. "When I played the final with San Lorenzo," he told Onda Cero, "Madrid's players didn't want to swap shirts with us."
Copa del Rey second-leg kick-off time confirmed
The kick-off date and time for Real Madrid's Copa del Rey last-16 second leg against Numancia was announced on Thursday, with Los Blancos to welcome the second-tier outfit to the Santiago Bernabéu at 21:30 CET on Wednesday 10 January 2018.
James: I still speak to Ramos, Benzema and Marcelo
Despite leaving the Spanish capital on loan in the summer, Bayern Munich's James Rodríguez is still keeping his finger firmly on the Real Madrid pulse. "Whenever I can, I watch Madrid's games," the Colombian explained to Noticias Caracol, adding: "I stay in touch with [Sergio] Ramos, [Karim] Benzema and Marcelo."
Valencia sporting director on Guedes and Mir
Valencia's sporting director, Mateo Alemany, on Thursday denied talk of Real Madrid interest in Portuguese starlet Gonçalo Guedes, who is on loan at Mestalla from Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, Alemany appeared resigned to losing 20-year-old Spanish forward Rafa Mir, who is being tipped for a move to the Bernabéu: "His contract is due to expire and we hope to find a good solution in the January transfer window."
Keylor Navas turns 31 today
The Real Madrid goalkeeper celebrates his 31st birthday today. The Costa Rican international arrived at Los Merengues at 27; since then, he has made 114 appearances and collected eight winners' medals: one LaLiga, two Champions Leagues, two Uefa Super Cups, two Fifa Club World Cups and one Spanish Super Cup. Felicidades, Keylor!