Real Madrid news in brief: Modric, Kubo, Rodrygo, Rivaldo...
Today's bitesize news features reports of Serie A interest in Luka Modric, a Real revelation from former Barcelona star Rivaldo, and more.
Militao: Real Madrid bow "a dream"
Summer signing Éder Militao has spoken of his delight at making his first appearance for Real Madrid in Wednesday evening's friendly win over Red Bull Salzburg. "Playing for Madrid has been a dream of mine since I was a kid," the Brazilian defender told Real Madrid TV after Eden Hazard's fine first-half goal earned Los Blancos a 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena. However, the 21-year-old also conceded: "I've still got a lot to learn."
Day off for Zidane's men
Following the win in Salzburg, Zinedine Zidane has given his squad today off. The players will return to work at the club's Valdebebas training ground on Friday at 12:00 CEST, as Real Madrid's attentions turn to their seventh and final pre-season fixture, against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday (20:00). They then kick off their LaLiga campaign away to Celta Vigo six days later, on Saturday 17 August.
Rodrygo and Kubo turn out for Castilla
Having been a part of the first-team tour to North America and Germany, Rodrygo and Takefusa Kubo dropped down to the reserves on Wednesday to make their maiden appearances for Raúl's Castilla side. With club president Florentino Pérez watching on from the Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano stands, Rodrygo opened the scoring for the hosts as both teenagers played 70 minutes in a 3-0 win over Alcorcón.
Although he is expected to train with the seniors on a regular basis, Kubo is set to go into the Castilla squad for the 2019/20 season (unless recent reports of a loan move to Real Valladolid turn out to be accurate). Rodrygo may well be handed a similar role, meanwhile.
Boban eyes bid to take Modric to Milan
AC Milan's chief football officer, Zvonimir Boban, has put forward fellow Croat Luka Modric as a possible summer signing for the Serie A club, the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera has reported. Midfielder Modric, who unexpectedly missed Real Madrid's clash with Salzburg with what the club said was a minor muscle complaint, has in recent times also been a major target for Milan's city rivals Inter.
Rivaldo reveals Real Madrid link
Staying on the subject of AC Milan: former Barcelona favourite Rivaldo has revealed that he could have made a sensational switch to arch rivals Real Madrid when he left the Catalans in 2002, before he finally opted to go to the San Siro. The 47-year-old, who racked up 130 goals and won two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and the 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year award during a memorable four-season stint at the Camp Nou, told Betfair this week: "There were conversations [with Madrid] when I left Barça... but I preferred Milan's offer."