Real Madrid round-up: Keylor, Bonucci, Cristiano, AC Milan
Today's tidbits feature a message of defiance from Keylor Navas, Leonardo Bonucci on Cristiano Ronaldo, tonight's Bernabéu Trophy...
Keylor ready for Courtois number-one battle
Following Thibaut Courtois' arrival at Real Madrid, Keylor Navas faces a huge challenge to hold on to his status as first-choice goalkeeper - but is clearly ready for the fight. "I have the same desire to leave Real as to die," he told Spanish radio earlier this week, and on Friday maintained his message of defiance. "Para atrás ni para coger impulso," the Costa Rican wrote in his native Spanish in an Instagram post, which roughly translates as: "Never going to let up".
Bonucci ribs Real over Ronnie
Leonardo Bonucci, who has rejoined Juventus after a single season at AC Milan, reckons the Italians may enjoy better fortunes against Real Madrid now that Cristiano Ronaldo has swapped Los Blancos for the Vecchia Signora. "Having Cristiano means Real won't have a 1-0 head start against us anymore!" the defender quipped to reporters at his Juve unveiling on Friday.
Peeters loaned to Lleida
20-year-old Dutch forward Mink Peeters, who joined Real Madrid's youth set-up from Ajax in 2014, will spend the coming season on loan at Segunda División B club Lleida. After playing for Real's Under-19s in 2016/17, Peeters had loan stints at VVV-Venlo and Almere City, both in his native Netherlands, last term.
Kovacic posts message for Real supporters
In the wake of his summer switch to Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic took to social media with a message for Real Madrid and their fans on Friday - and, although he has only left for the Premier League on a season-long loan, it was a post that sounded more like a 'goodbye' than an 'au revoir'...
"After three years filled with trophies I have decided to move on," the midfielder wrote. "Eventhough are [sic] paths now separate I want to say big thank you to @realmadrid family and all the fans for an amazing part of my life I will never forget."
Tickets for the Bernabéu Trophy
At the time of writing, there were still tickets left for tonight's Bernabéu Trophy, which sees Real Madrid host AC Milan (21:00 CEST). Seats for the game, which sees Los Merengues celebrate 60 years since their 1958 European Cup final win over the Serie A club, are available for purchase online on Real's official website.