Real Madrid doubled Barcelona's Neymar offer

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  1. Champions League Team of the Season

    Champions League Team of the Season

    Following Bayern Munich’s final triumph, Goal looks back at a memorable campaign, picking out the 11 players who made the difference and kept us firmly on the edge of our seats

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Del Bosque: Casillas is ready

The Spain boss has reiterated his confidence in the Real Madrid goalkeeper ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in just over two weeks

Vicente del Bosque has announced that Iker Casillas is ready to play for Spain during the Confederations Cup.

The Real Madrid skipper has not played since suffering a hand injury back in January, forcing the capital club to sign Diego Lopez, who has since kept his place in the first team.

However, Del Bosque has elected to keep faith in his captain ahead of the former Villarreal man.

“We are certain he is in good form. We spoke in France and since then I haven’t spoken to him, but I’m sure he is fine. He is one of our own,” the 62-year-old said at a press conference.

“We deal with some extraordinary players. We have three goalkeepers and I can’t bring any more, but we could have brought another four or five. Diego has had a superb season but we trust in Pepe Reina, Iker and Victor Valdes.

“I’ve said before that it’s impossible to include every player that deserves a place. Fabregas, Villa, Torres and Soldado are our four strikers.

“You could just as easily ask why we didn’t include [Imanol] Agirretxe, that lad from Betis [Ruben Castro], Iago Aspas, Michu.”

Del Bosque went on to say that he is looking forward to the tournament, which kicks off on June 15.

“It’s a unique tournament with its own merits. There are not only four World champions; there are also the Olympic champions Mexico and champions of Africa, Nigeria.

“We will try and make sure we compete at the highest level. Japan are one of the teams that have progressed a lot and any of the teams could be uncomfortable opponents.”

Raul Albiol: I wish Mourinho well

The Real Madrid defender has expressed his gratitude to the departing coach and stressed that he had no rift with the Portuguese

Raul Albiol has thanked Jose Mourinho for his contributions to Real Madrid and wished the coach the best wherever he goes.

The Portuguese will leave the Spanish capital at the end of the season after a controversial three-year reign, which saw him reportedly fall out with a host of players.

“Mourinho’s last game is on Saturday and I hope he has success wherever he goes,” the former Valencia man told AS.

“It will always be necessary to keep the things that I have learned from him and I for my part do not have any problem with him.

“Each coach has their preferences and tastes but they must be respected. I wish him well.”

Albiol has been used sparingly during his time at the Bernabeu but insists that he is not looking to leave the club.

“I am very happy at Real Madrid,” the 27-year-old continued..

“I have contract here, I am grateful to everyone and like any player, I want to be at Real Madrid. Now there will be many movements of coaches but you have to wait to see what happens.

“I am a person who likes to keep things positive and I’ll take what I’ve learned in the past three years with Mourinho.

“I’ve gone through good times and bad times. This season has not been easy. We haven’t won any titles and we’re all disappointed. We always want to win titles.”

Real Madrid wrap up their season, and Mourinho’s reign at the club, by hosting Osasuna on Saturday.

Isco honoured by Real Madrid interest

The Spanish starlet is flattered after catching the attention of the Liga giants but insisted that he would only move to a club to play regularly

Malaga midfielder Isco feels it is “an honour” to be a transfer target of Real Madrid, saying they are “one of the best teams in the world”.

The Spain international has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe after an impressive season with the Andalusian outfit.

And while he is flattered to have caught the eye of the Champions League semi-finalists, Isco is adamant that he will not move to a club to sit on the bench.

“The interest of Madrid is an honour

,” the 21-year-old told AS.

“What if my desire is to play for Madrid?

I’ll have to wait for the future but I am calm. There is interest from Madrid, but I’m focused on the [Under-21] national team.

Madrid are one of the best, if not the best. I do not close my door but my priority is to play and I do not want to be on the bench. “

Mourinho not leaving Madrid because of pressure – Ramos

The Spaniard has nothing but praise for his boss and says his Santiago Bernabeu exit had nothing do with failing to reach meet expectations

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos feels Jose Mourinho is “one of the best coaches in the world” and does not believe he left the club because of high pressure levels.

The Portuguese will leave the club at the end of the season following three years in the Spanish capital but will finish his final campaign without silverware.

Ramos believes the decision was a personal one and had nothing to do with the added expectation that comes with working for a big club like Madrid.

“I think Mourinho has a lot of experience in the world of football,” 27-year-old told Sport.

“I do not think pressure was a reason for him to make the decision to leave Real Madrid. Everyone chooses his future and is free to take their best route.



“I’ve always had good words for him because on a personal level, I have said and will continue to say, he’s one of the best coaches in the world.

“He knows how to draw and squeeze the most out of each player and that is a virtue that he has transmitted to us from day one.”

Ramos then went on to praise Jupp Heynckes and Carlo Ancelotti, but insisted that he does not know who will replace Mourinho on the Bernabeu bench.

“They’re two great coaches for. Yet I still do not really know who can come.”