LALIGA
Real Madrid show affection for Gavi after injury
Barcelona and Real Madrid may have an eternal rivalry, but there have been nice touches after the youngsters serious injury with the Spain national team.
The injury suffered by Barcelona’s Gavi in the match against Georgia has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, and messages of support are pouring in from all over, including from the perennial rival. Real Madrid, which has previously demonstrated a willingness to set aside sporting rivalry in such matters, especially when serious injuries are involved, is expressing solidarity, no matter the team they represent. Just moments after Gavi’s knee went, with the injury to rule him out for the rest of the season, Los Blancos’ striker Joselu was among the first to console the young Barça midfielder.
Madrid’s well wishes for Gavi
This sentiment has also been evident on social media. Dani Carvajal expressed his support for the Sevillan player on his social media platform: “Rivals and teammates, but above all, people. You will come back stronger, my friend. Much encouragement, Gavi,” dedicated the Real Madrid full-back along with a photograph in which the defender assists the Barcelona player in getting up during a Clásico.
In fact, Carvajal didn’t need a set-back to send positive vibes the way of Gavi. When asked about him at a recent national team gathering he replied: “Gavi is a Spanish gem; at 19, he’s a starter for Barcelona and the national team. There’s little more to say. He’s earned it through hard work. No one has handed him anything. If he’s here, it’s because he’s seizing his opportunities.”
Florentino Pérez surprises
But the well-wishes have also reached the highest institutional level at Real Madrid. Los Blancos have the tradition of sending a letter, signed by President Florentino Pérez himself, to all those footballers who suffer serious injuries - a simple yet surprising gesture for the players.
“In 2016, I received a letter from Florentino Pérez,” revealed Antonio Rüdiger, recalling the gesture he received when he played for Roma. “He wished me a speedy recovery. I couldn’t believe it. My mother has it saved.”
Gavi is now one of the many footballers who have received encouragement from Real Madrid in such a challenging situation.