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Hola Madridistas!
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Fernando Gago retires
The former Real Madrid midfielder has officially retired. The 34 year old, who also played for Roma and Valencia, featured 121 times for Real Madrid during his five season stay, winning two La Ligas, one Spanish cup and one Spanish super cup. Even though Gago might not be one of the first names on the paper when individuals think of the most memorable players in Real Madrid history, he was always one of my favourites. Being a “defensive midfielder” in an era of Real Madrid teams not defending well collectively, was not an easy job. Unfortunately, a string of bad injuries reduced his time on the absolute top level.
Enjoy your retirement “El Pintita”!
Benz is OK
At least some good news. After significant test made on Benzemas abductor, it has been confirmed that the pain he felt on Sunday was only discomfort and not a tear. He will need to rest for about a week. In Benzema’s case, the international break comes at a timely moment.
Jovic fined for breaking quarantine, but avoids prison.
The striker has been fined 30 000 euros for breaking quarantine rules earlier this year. In the end he got off lightly, as the local prosecutors started off by looking at landing the striker with a three-year sentence in prison, although those calls were scaled back to a much shorter sentence after initial demands.
La Fabrica is Europes most prolific academy
According to CIES, Real Madrids academy is the most prolific in Europe, looking at the amount of players playing in the European top leagues. And it’s not even close. There are 43 La Fabrica graduates playing in Europes top 5 leagues, while Fc Barcelona, who is second on the list, only has 32 players. Lyon is third with 31 players.
Ramos continues his legacy
If the Spanish captain plays for Spain later today, he will equal Buffons record of 176 international caps. That is (currently) the most caps for a European player. Ramos is also extremely close in becoming the most int. capped player ever, as he currently 9 games away from equaling Egyptian forward-legend Hossam Hassan’s all time international record.