Youngsters: Miguel Torres, Gago, Marcelo, Higuain

[Lance Knight]

Boca Juniors star Gago wants Real Madrid move
October 04, 2006

Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago is delighted with reports linking him with Real Madrid.
"I'm proud that one of the best clubs in the world has a desire to sign me for its team. It means that I am doing well and it is an extra motivation to continue working hard. It would be a dream to play for Real Madrid," said Gago.

"The Spanish League seems to me to be wonderful and I would be delighted to play there."

Real Madrid director Franco Baldini is due in Buenos Aries today to open serious negotiations with Boca for Gago, who is rated at £18 million by the Argentine giants.

[Cell]

No need for this here.

[Lance Knight]

barca is getting too greedy now, lol
Barcelona president urged Boca not to sell Gago to Real Madrid
October 06, 2006

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has held talks with Boca Juniors supremo Mauricio Macri over the future of Fernando Gago.

The young midfielder is a prime target for Real Madrid, but Laporta has asked Macri not to sell the player to their great rivals.

"Although it is the coaches that must decide if he interests them or not, the truth is that player is fantastic, that is already a reality and he improves with every game," said Laporta.

Laporta had a dinner meeting with Macri and added: "It is always nice to meet with old friends. Mauricio is a great friend who has done great things for Boca."

[Leon of Silvren]

Laporta is a ***king bastard.....I've said it, they're not even interested on him, they just look at him as a good player, and as a possible future threat......what are you afraid of Barcelonistas?? Of some competition, you do know we're your daddy, afraid of being ass-kicked??

[Calif]

Yeah I don't know if you guys have seen Gago play but he is a great player man!! Damn Argentina has a lot of talent coming up!!!!!But If you haven't seen him play if you have any chance watch the derby Boca VS River this weekend live Fox Sports en español!!!!!

[Leon of Silvren]

For sure I won't miss that game.....plus I haven't seen the kid much, so it seems like the perfect chance to see him on action.....in a big game.

[Minof]

Yeah I don't know if you guys have seen Gago play but he is a great player man!! Damn Argentina has a lot of talent coming up!!!!!But If you haven't seen him play if you have any chance watch the derby Boca VS River this weekend live Fox Sports en español!!!!!

Dont have the channel...:( anywhere in the Uk that this match can be viewed???

[Leon of Silvren]

Gol TV maybe??

[Leon of Silvren]

Gago agent prefers Real Madrid over Barcelona

The agent of Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago would prefer to see the youngster play for Real Madrid than Barcelona.

Both Spanish giants have been linked with the youngster, whose agent Marcelo Lombilla said: "People saying you can play for either Barcelona or Real Madrid is just like saying you can go to Disneyland.

"But Madrid is a great club and the `White House' is the great dream of any player."

[realmadrid289]

i have just seen gago once
river 3-1 boca game
he was phenomenal and his passes were gr8, he assisted the only goal.
i would love 2 c him wearing the white shirt

[Calif]

I hope he goes with FC Barcelone!!!!No offence but I just think he would do better with them!!!!

[Leon of Silvren]

They don't even want him!!!!!

They're just faking interest on him to make his arrival at Madrid harder.....they always do that, but people still ends wearing white.....remember Becks??? :lol:

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid head-to-head with Barcelona for Gago
October 22, 2006

Real Madrid and Barcelona are going head-to-head for Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago.
Both Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain and Real director Franco Baldini have been in Argentina in recent weeks to explore the possibility of taking the young Argentine to Spain.

Barca president Joan Laporta spoke with his Boca counterpart Mauricio Macri about Gago while in the country to launch their partnership agreement with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Real took a different path and held talks with Gago's agent, Gian Valerio Lombardi, in a bid to seal an agreement.

[Lance Knight]

Gago: I can fit into Capello's Real Madrid system
November 03, 2006

Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago is confident he can fit into Fabio Capello's system at Real Madrid.
The Argentine youngster is a January target for Real and he told AS: "I believe that I can adapt. I needed to improve my tackling and I believe that I have done that. Last season I was the player with most clean tackles in Argentina.

"It would be a dream to be able to play for Real Madrid, a very great team. It would be a tremendous challenge. I have a contract with Boca and it would be question of the two clubs talking."

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid in advanced talks for Boca Juniors ace Gago
November 07, 2006

Real Madrid are in talks with Fernando Gago's management about a January deal for the Boca Juniors midfielder.
Real coach Fabio Capello has given the green light to the move and negotiations between the two clubs over a fee for the 20 year-old are already well advanced.

Gago has asked Boca president Mauricio Macri, who initially was demanding £17 million, to make the deal happen and Real insiders say an agreement for around £9 million is on the table.

Real sports chief Pedja Mijatovic admitted today that Gago was "an interesting player".

[Lance Knight]

AC Milan battle Real Madrid for River Plate starlet Higuain
November 08, 2006

AC Milan and Real Madrid are battling for River Plate sensation Gonzalo Higuain.
The Argentine youngster, who carries a French passport, is rated at £10 million, with his registration part owned by an investment company.

Milan transfers chief Ariedo Braida is currently in Buenos Aries to meet with River officials about Higuain. However, it's emerged today that the player's Dad and his agent, Roberto Recasens, were spotted in Madrid earlier this week, fueling talk that they were meeting with Real Madrid officials

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid seek quick £10M deal for Gago
November 08, 2006

Real Madrid are confident of sealing a deal for around £10 million with Boca Juniors for midfielder Fernando Gago.

The visit to Buenos Aries of Real director Franco Baldini last month has been credited to Boca president Mauricio Macri's decision to drop his asking price for the 20 year-old.

Macri is now seeking £12 million for Gago, but Real are confident they can find an agreement for around £2 million less. Those close to the negotiations say the deal could be made public in two weeks' time.

"The interest of Madrid in me is something beautiful. Real is a great team and that flatters me. In addition, I see all the games of the Spanish Liga on TV and my idea for the future is to be able to play there," said Gago.

[Lance Knight]

Boca Juniors president: No Real Madrid deal for Gago
November 09, 2006

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri insists he isn't selling midfielder Fernando Gago to Real Madrid in January.
The two clubs are locked in negotiations over a fee for the 20 year-old, but Macri insisted last night: "There is no possibility that Fernando Gago leaves in January to Real Madrid nor to anyother club.

"Our intention is to have the player here until July 2007. And until that date there are no possibilities that he will be transferred to another club."

[Calif]

I don't know if Macri doesn't wants him out I don't know if he will be out with Real Madrid man!!!!

[thestor]

10 million are nothing compared to the 23 million of Sergio Aguero transfer, and gago seems to be not so good when the dfenders put pressure over him.
IMHO
thestor

[Calif]

Yes and he knows it but he has shown improvement with that he really has he is getting better!!!!

[thestor]

Well i hope that, for him!!! lol

[Lance Knight]

Dad: Higuain had Real Madrid offer
November 11, 2006

The father of River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain has revealed his son has an offer from Real Madrid.

"There were initially his two goals against Boca Juniors, then his call-up to the France team and then a concrete offer from Real Madrid," Dad Jorge told L'Equipe.

"Having weighed up the consequences, we preferred to protect him.

"Gonzalo is shy. It's too much to take up a challenge like that one.

"Remember, six months ago, he was still playing reserve football with River.

"It is not easy to make a decision for the whole of your life. Especially when nothing is pressing. All I want is that my son is happy."

River Plate coach Daniel Passarella also said: "I know there is much demand for him to go to play in Europe, at Real Madrid or somewhere else, and I expect to lose him by the end of the year.

"?10 million for a boy with such technical and physical qualities rarely seen at such a young age is cheap.

"To me, he is worth double, and if I can negotiate, he won't leave so easily."

[Lance Knight]

Higuain: Wonderful to play for Real Madrid
November 14, 2006

River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain admits he's flattered by the interest of Real Madrid.

The Argentine teenager said: "I'm happy they are paying attention to me. But I'm also happy about having time left to play for River Plate in the Copa Libertadores.

"I'm not unsettled by Real Madrid's interest. On the contrary, I am very happy about it.

"Real Madrid is a great team with great players and it would be wonderful to go there."

Higuain also revealed he had yet to decide his international future, with France and Argentina battling for his services.

"I had made a decision. But now, with the passage of time, I am going to decide what will be the best thing for me. I can't say anything more."

[Lance Knight]

personally i think he would be great but when he arrives he must sit and wait his turn, and the fans too must be patient. look at robinho, he is sparkling like a diamond now, well in a sense,
but if we are too buy him, roanldo and cassano must be gone, or atleast one of them

[Lance Knight]

Boca Juniors president: Gago won't be sold to Real Madrid
November 14, 2006

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri insists he won't sell midfielder Fernando Gago to Real Madrid in January.
Speaking after Boca's 3-1 defeat of Quilmes, Macri said: "There is no possibility that exists that in January we will sell Fernando Gago to Real Madrid or another club.

"He will remain with us at least until June so as to play in the Copa Libertadores Goblet."

[Lance Knight]

Mijatovic: Real Madrid will sign Gago
November 14, 2006

Real Madrid sports director Pedja Mijatovic has declared they're signing Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago.
"He is going to come to us very happily, he has a great touch and a lot of quality. I believe that we have gambled right," said Mijatovic.

"I believe that we have guessed right in going to buy him, but it is not yet done. He's wanted by other big clubs, but he prefers to come to Madrid."

[Lance Knight]

the way i see it if anything to please Boca a deal might be signed this january and he would stay with them till june and then join us for next season

[Calif]

Yeah I think that if he leaves Boca Juniors it will be after Copa Libertadores!!!

[Calif]

Well he is a good striker but yeah he needs to move to real and sit out and wait out his turn. But yeah as you can hear from him Copa Libertadores is important for him, Its just like Fernando Gago!!!!

[Lance Knight]

i really wouldnt mind if he arrives next season, but what i was hoping is if he comes in january then he can just use this season to get accostume and gain alittle more exprience and then next season we could begin to start him in one or two games, if u get what i i going with this. kinda like a trial time thing we he could make his mistakes without being critised in a sense

[Lance Knight]

Higuain's Dad wants quick Real Madrid deal
November 15, 2006

Gonzalo Higuain's father has urged Real Madrid to step up negotiations with River Plate in order to close the deal for January's winter market.
Jorge Higuain said: "Gonzalo is very excited because Madrid are the most important organisation in the world.

"River wants that he leaves in June of next year, but when presented with an offer from Madrid it is very difficult that I say no. Better to close now the transfer than in June."

Higuain Snr also dismissed reports that his son's registration was 50 per cent owned by a Russian consortium.

"I have not signed anything and I am the one that must guarantee negotiations because here my son is not of legal age until he turns 21. For me, Gonzalo is 100 percent River's."

[Lance Knight]

yup i would have dont the same, he already did all that work to get them that far, a half season is not to miss out on with real,

[Lance Knight]

Gago agent expects Real Madrid deal
November 15, 2006

Despite protests from Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri, Real Madrid are expected to close the signing of midfielder Fernando Gago ahead of the January market.
Macri has insisted Gago won't be sold until the end of the season, but the youngster's agent, Marcelo Lombilla, said last night: "It is certain that somebody from Madrid is going to arrive in the next days in Buenos Aires (expected to be Franco Baldini).

"Macri is firm in which Gago leaves in June, but Madrid only comes to you once in a lifetime and perhaps they will not be interested in Gago next June. My advice is that Macri considers the situation."

River's players have already accepted Gago's departure, with one telling AS: "How can he not leave? Real Madrid doesn't call you every day ..."

[realmadrid289]

if he is a gr8 striker, ther bring him over, coz m really curious about RUUD getting injured, hen who is gonna play in that place?

and its gr8 he got a european passport so he would not have any problems of the 3 foriegners allowed

[realmadrid289]

then*

[realmadrid289]

any new news?

[Lance Knight]

Higuain: The Real Madrid train only stops once
November 16, 2006

River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain admits he wants a move to Real Madrid in January.

The Argentine teenager, photographed wearing a Real shirt in today's AS, said: "I am a calm person. Obviously I am very happy this is happening to me.

"It is something very beautiful that Real Madrid is interested in you and also it would be very beautiful to play there. It is a dream for me.

"This train only stops once. Perhaps now they want me and perhaps in June they won't. The proposal will be studied by my father and if he thinks that it is most advisable and I believe that it is going to serve me, I am going to give a 'yes'."

Higuain's Dad, Jorge, said: "There are other clubs that want to sign him, but when I sat with him and I explained what Real Madrid means, he understood everything. We are going to do what we can so that he is a player of Madrid.

"We will sign a contract for six seasons and a half. The rest of this season when he arrives in January and six years more. That is a very good contract for my son."

[Calif]

I heard that River Plate is saying that they are not paying enough for him they want more!!!!!!

[realmadrid289]

I Hope He Is Not Over Rated
Just Like Maxi Lopez, He Came As Batistuta 2 Barca, Then He Was Nothing
But Bring Him Just Incase Of Injuries

[Lance Knight]

Di Stefano: Real Madrid must treat Higuain, Gago with care
November 17, 2006

Real Madrid honorary president Alfredo Di Stefano says the club will have to treat prospective signings Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain carefully.

Di Stefano said of the Argentine pair: "They are young, and for that reason it is necessary to take care of them, because there a slow pitches in Argentina, with high grass, and football is very fast here.

"They have potential, but we must be careful, because they are young and they still have a long time in front of them to gain experience.

"Anyway, I do not commit myself to signing players. I watch football because I like it a lot, and to give my opinion: yes, they have potential, but Madrid is Madrid, and here one comes to work, which must be drummed into all young players."

[Calif]

I Hope He Is Not Over Rated
Just Like Maxi Lopez, He Came As Batistuta 2 Barca, Then He Was Nothing
But Bring Him Just Incase Of Injuries

To be honest I like better how Matias Fernandez(colo colo) next season (FC Villareal).

[Calif]

Here is some clip of him!!!!!Higuain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxvxesdO1-0&mode=related&search=

[Calif]

Take a look at #14 of colo colo Matias Fernandez!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZd84876IYU

These goals are not once a month this happened very often every 2 games or so!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9BIFHbiJ3o

He is great at free kicks!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrassnO3zm4

[Saraj Fanático]

Go to Milan! Ohhh please go to milan!

[Calif]

So do you like how Mati Fernandez Plays?

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid chief Baldini in Argentina for Gago, Higuain talks
November 19, 2006

Real Madrid director Franco Baldini touched down in Buenos Aries yesterday.
Baldini arrived in Argentina with the mission to close deals with Boca Juniors and River Plate for Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain respectively.

After speaking with Higuain's Dad, Jorge, and a River representative yesterday, Baldini will attend today's match against Gimnasia La Plata to watch the teenage striker in action.

Before the game, however, Baldini has a morning meeting with Boca president Mauricio Macri. The Italian hopes to convince Macri to sell Gago in January, rather than at the end of this season in June.

[Lance Knight]

actually yea, lol

Boca Juniors president tells Real Madrid: £17M for Gago
November 21, 2006

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri is demanding £17 million for midfielder Fernando Gago.
Macri had a lunch meeting with Real director Franco Baldini yesterday, which was also attended by Gago's agent, Marcelo Lombilla.

Macri is desperate to hold onto Gago beyond the winter market and will only lower his demands if Real agree to sign the young midfielder in June.


i dont know why they so hurry, i say we sign the deal now just in case and he joins us in the summer, i am sure Boca would love that, and with that we might get him for around 10 or 12 mil

[Lance Knight]

oh i saw this too

Boca Juniors president wants Gago deal done in Madrid
November 22, 2006

Boca Juniors president Mauricio Macri will travel to Spain to finalise terms over midfielder Fernando Gago's move to Real Madrid.
Boca sources have told Marca that Macri wants to thrash out a fee for Gago in Madrid with Real president Ramon Calderon. In recent days Macri has been dealing with Real director Franco Baldini in Buenos Aries.

Real have offered £10 million for the Argentine, which falls £7 million short of Macri's valuation. The Boca supremo also wants Gago to be loaned back to them for the first-half of next year should the deal be concluded by January.

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid TV deal complicates Gago, Higuain talks
November 23, 2006

Real Madrid's massive TV deal has stalled negotiations over Argentine pair Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain.

Aware of the €1.1 billion agreement, Boca Juniors and River Plate are demanding big fees for Gago and Higuain respectively. After several days in Buenos Aries, Real director Franco Baldini has returned to Madrid without an agreement with either club.

Real's board are agreed they won't go higher than £12 million for Gago, 20, while for 18 year-old Higuain River can expect no more than £8 million. Both valuations fall short of what the Argentine clubs are seeking.

A Real source told AS: "As much as we as Boca and River know the true value of both players, there is no way we are going to go crazy."

Despite the stand-off, Real remain confident the Argie pair will join the club in January.

[Mugabi]

It aint a childish request. We stand to lose a lot by leting Gago go now. The chance of winning the Libertadores again, he's a key player and we'll be severely crippled without him organizing the midfield. Madrid can wait till june, they just want him to toy him around as the new trophie...

Higuain aint that good. He's being WAY overrated.

[Calif]

Yes I think Rodrigo Palacio is better then Higuain!!!

[zzidane]

Real sign Argentine striker Higuain from River

By Simon Baskett

MADRID, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have agreed to sign 19-year-old Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain on a six-and-a-half year deal from River Plate, the Primera Liga side said on Thursday.

"The player will join the team on Jan. 1 and will remain at Real until June 2013," Real said on their Web site (www.realmadrid.com).

Spanish media reported that the highly rated youngster had signed for the nine-times European champions for a fee of 13 million euros ($17.17 million).

Higuain shot to prominence last May when he scored twice as River Plate beat Brazilian champions Corinthians 3-1 to knock them out of the Libertadores Cup.

He scored twice more in the 3-1 win over arch-rivals Boca Juniors in October and notched a spectacular goal in River's 1-1 draw at Velez Sarsfield at the weekend to end the Apertura championship as his club's top scorer with nine goals.

His father Jorge played professional football in France for Brest where Gonzalo was born in 1987. He was 10 months old when he moved to Argentina with his family and has lived there ever since.

Last month he was called up by France coach Raymond Domenech for an international friendly against Greece, but his father sent the French Federation a fax saying he did not want to play for the country for the time being.

Higuain's recruitment forms part of Real's policy to rejuvenate a squad that contains a host of players who are over 30 years old.

They have signed teenage Brazilian international left back Marcelo and are also negotiating the purchase of 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago from Boca Juniors.

Maybe he will fill zidane place in the team

[Elia.A.]

very promosing player indeed, and if Real is interested in him they r on a right trail, Robinho, Higuan, Cago...all of them r young and promosing, just hope they won't be overratted

[GALACTICO]

YUP, paper work should be completed within the next couple hours the deal was made for approx. 20.5mil euros. (-2.5 mil euros they had already spent). He will be presented to the team either tom. or friday. :) :ronaldo:

BTW: Hi fellas, Im new here. My teams are: Chivas(MEX), Galaxy(mls), Real Madrid(SPA), Inter(ITA), RIVER(ARG), Chelsea....

[dannymex]

yup so we heard about Gago, good for him! I see you like chivas, u mexican? i ask because not too many people like mexican futbol other than mexicans. Anyways welcome to sfn!!!!!!!!!

[GALACTICO]

Thanks, Im half Mexican. My pop's is from Zacatecas, MEX and mom from San Miguel, El Salvador. Im born in LA, California.:) :D

3 Most important things in life: Chicas, Cheves y Chivas!!!!:p

[GALACTICO]

Im watching the R. Madrid v. Recreativo game right now and I just saw a Mexican flag in the front row stands!

[dannymex]

lol we are everywhere!!!!!!!!

[thestor]

Si if you are Mexican, i imagine that you know Giovanni Dos Santos... i am a big fan of it.

[Chileno]

you are a big fan of... 'it' ?

[GALACTICO]

lol....such a racist slur!:lol: J/k...Yeah, I know of him. Saw him in person when they did presented FC Barcelona at the Red Carpet in Hollywood back in august. I also Went to the game the next day VS. Chivas Gua!!!

[lazer28]

How can anyone in there right mind root for galaxy?

[GALACTICO]

Can someone familiar with MLS back me on this!?!?! .. First of all, Home team. Second of all, they are an institution not a weak lil "club". Let me guess.... you root for Chivas USA??? Just like 90% of their fans, all you root for is the name.

[lazer28]

I believe they have a very good institution and they will be the only team in L.A it's just a matter of time.
BTW: Barca going for three in a row and nobody will be able to stop em.

[GALACTICO]

Of coarse, I think that time will come when the U.S. sells California back to Mexico. Until then, L.A. belongs to Galaxy. Deal with it.

[lazer28]

Just like Spain belongs to Barcelona.

[dannymex]

Of coarse, I think that time will come when the U.S. sells California back to Mexico. Until then, L.A. belongs to Galaxy. Deal with it.



:lol: i dont think that will ever happen!!!!!

[GALACTICO]

Just like Spain belongs to Barcelona.


Barca can have spain.... We'll(R.Madrid) Take Europe!! Even though Real Madrid has way more league championships then Barcelona. :lol: :p

[GALACTICO]

:lol: i dont think that will ever happen!!!!!

Awww Danny, Don't burst the man's bubble :lol:

[dannymex]

just being realistic. Anyways he got banned. Does anyone know why?

[GALACTICO]

who got banned?:shocked:

[_Marco_]

Real Madrid sure need reinforcements for the next season...
Híguain, Marcelo and Gago can make the team have a better performance in 2007 !

[Gavmundo]

I signed him for Man U in my Football Manager 2007 game and he's quality. So he MUST be good :lol:

I notice he's half French too so can play for France if he isn't already!

[Calif]

Well I hope the best for Higuain!!!

[Lance Knight]

indeed why was he banned
anyways welcome guys
back to the topic

Gago: I can handle Real Madrid pressure
December 26, 2006

Fernando Gago is excited by his move to Real Madrid.

The 20 year-old Argentina international is happy to have put behind him the fuss of his presentation last Friday and told AS: "Now I am happy to have everything over and done with and I only have to think about playing. When I signed I really felt like a player of Real Madrid. Now it is beautiful. It is something that always I have hoped for, being here.

"People have compared me with Fernando Redondo, but we are different players. He did many positive things for this club and I am going to try to do the same. We are similar as far as playing with the ball and wanting to play for the team. It is difficult to find two players almost the same.

"I am very calm and I know what I can give to this team. Boca is a very difficult shirt to play for in Argentine football. I believe that here it is very similar. I do not have any problem in jumping into the Bernabeu. I like to play under pressure."

i think he can, and he will do great. of course all new players deserve a grace period, lets just hope its not as long as with Robinho

[GALACTICO]

Yeah, Im excited to see how he does. im glad real will finaly have an argentinian player, with talent at that. He looks like the pressure wont get to him. Mesi who? lol ....j/k.

[Lance Knight]

Real Sociedad try again for Higuain
December 28, 2006

Real Sociedad have returned to the negotiating table for River Plate striker Fede Higuain.
Higuain is the older brother of new Real Madrid signing Gonzalo Higuain and has been playing this season on-loan with Neuva Chicago.

Neuva blocked the initial approach from Real earlier this month, but River are now offering several players in exchange to free up Higuain so they can negotiate a deal with Real for his transfer.

[Lance Knight]

Gago, Higuain excited by Real Madrid move
December 31, 2006

Real Madrid's new Argentine pair are excited to be starting the next stage of their careers with the Spanish giants.

Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago are now in training at Real and both already have their sights on establishing themselves as first team regulars.

"It's nice that people are saying I should be a starter before I have even started here," said midfielder Gago, "Nobody can be guaranteed a place in the team. I want to do my best for the coach and Real Madrid."

Striker Higuain also said: "It's incredible that I am training and playing with Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Until recently I was watching them on tele and now I am training with them."

He went on: "Madrid has always had a tradition of featuring Argentines. Those that have been here have left their mark and I hope to do the same with my goals. I hope to win the affection of fans with my hard work and good football."

Gago also said: "This is a great opportunity for us both. We're both come here motivated to do something important and to make history for Real Madrid."

[Lance Knight]

Higuain delighted with first Real Madrid days
January 04, 2007

Gonzalo Higuain is delighted with his first few days as a Real Madrid player.
The former River Plate striker told AS: "I feel very well. I am very comfortable and I am very proud to be in this squad. It is a great unit.

"I already am at the disposal of the coaching staff and if (Fabio) Capello wants me, I'm ready. I feel very well, like the rest of the players.

"Capello still hasn't said anything to me. But that's okay, I'll just keep working and playing like I did with River Plate.

"I am part of the first team squad. That's why I came. My only objective is to win a place in the team and to gain the respect of everyone here."

[Lance Knight]

dont worry kid i am not expecting you too

Gago pleads: I can't rescue Real Madrid
January 05, 2007

Fernando Gago hopes Real Madrid fans do not expect miracles from him as he prepares to make his debut on Sunday against Deportivo La Coruna.

The young Argentine will play from the start alongside Emerson in coach Fabio Capello's midfield. Mahamadou Diarra will again be left on the bench.

For his part, Gago said: "I am no rescuer, nor do I want to be. I have come to help the team in every way I can. But I am not their saviour.

"I don't feel any pressure, it's the opposite. I took this transfer as a challenge because to come to European football, and more so to Madrid, it was very important for me. For that reason I do not feel any pressure.

"I know I can fit into the system here. I feel very comfortable and confident that those around me can help me show my best during games. The more time I have with my teammates, the better I will be.

"Capello hasn't spoken to me about Sunday. But I am ready for his call."

[GiorgioII]

I haven't seen this guy play yet, although obviously I have read a lot about him. What sort of role will he take up on the field for Madrid?

[Lance Knight]

a kind playmaker role
but man did he suck today
lol
- first Capello is an asshole for starting a new player from a leauge of a completely didnt style.
- second he looked so lost out there, trying to make some through passes that was always getting intercpeted.
- third man he was not calm i think the crowd got to him, they was runnign raggid and makeing some rash decisions

i just hope he doesnt take as long as robinho to get accustome to the play here

[dannymex]

haha i didnt watch the game but why would they make him a starter so soon? i'm sure he will do better soon!

[sandanista]

a kind playmaker role
but man did he suck today
lol
- first Capello is an asshole for starting a new player from a leauge of a completely didnt style.
- second he looked so lost out there, trying to make some through passes that was always getting intercpeted.
- third man he was not calm i think the crowd got to him, they was runnign raggid and makeing some rash decisions

i just hope he doesnt take as long as robinho to get accustome to the play here


Exactly right - he looked lost, like a little boy.
i felt a bit sorry for him because Madrid were terrible against Deportivo and its very difficult for such a young player from a different league to make his debut in a team that was so bad. Capello was stupid to start him.
Depor could have scored 5 or 6 goals easy.
Madrid have no hope of winning the league if they keep playing like they did yesterday.

[Ify]

At least he showed some promise. When he better understands the other players, he will be far more effective.

I think he will be a good playmaker. I hope he keeps Guti out of the lineup, Guti is absolutely useless.

A lot of Gago's passes and through balls were tame and got intercepted. He needs to add more power. He got lucky on a few ocassions where the ball actually reached the intended target. But again, at least he tries. He did make some rash challenges, and he himslef got kicked around a bit too. I liked how he kept asking for the ball, he tried to create attacks, he tried to keep the team going, it's not his fault that the rest of them weren't up to it. But to me the only guys that seem to want to do well was Gago and Reyes.

Is Marcello supposed to have pace? If he is, he didn't use pace at all. Cafu would have out-run him in that match. Debut or no, it's not that difficult running down a flank. Useless.

I can't believe how much trouble we had just by missing one defender. Ramos on the left, Helguera in defence and an out-of-form Cannavaro was always going to be a problem. I would pick Mejia over any of the other defenders (bar Ramos) anyday.

[Lance Knight]

yea man, seriously i atleast expected alittle more from Marcello, special my ass. lol where do they get these scouts???

but seriously, look back to when Real was fricking amazing with the kinda passes Zindane put down, it wasnt any kind of through ball crap, you cant do that in the La Liga, no matter how shitty the team, the ball will alwyas be intercepted. seriously which play plays like that in La Liga

[Lance Knight]

Torres delighted with Real Madrid breakthrough
January 22, 2007

Real Madrid's rookie fullback Miguel Torres was delighted to play a role in last night's victory at Mallorca.

Torres was regarded by many judges as Real's best performer on the night and he said: "I tried to take advantage of the opportunities that they give me. What I have done in the past doesn't mean anything and I only think about the future.

"My secret is simply hard work. Work, work, work.

"(Coach) Fabio Capello wasn't crazy changing me from right to left-back. I've played there often enough for the Castile.

"I know Sergio Ramos' injury has granted me this opportunity. I just hope he returns quickly because the team needs him. For me, I have at the disposal of the coach. I just want to do my best for the team."

[Lance Knight]

Real Madrid's Higuain chooses Argentina over France
January 24, 2007

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has committed his international future to Argentina.
The 19 year old, who recently moved to Real on a six and a half year deal, was born in France to Argentine parents and has since been the subject of a tug of war between the two countries.

"It's a choice from my heart," said the 19-year-old, speaking to French daily L'Equipe. "All my friends, my family and my football are from over there. I couldn't imagine myself taking another decision."

France coach Raymond Domenech had called up the youngster for a friendly in November but Higuain turned the offer down.

L'Equipe reported that the striker has since begun legal proceedings to gain full Argentine citizenship

[dannymex]

nice.... i'd rather see him with argentina anyways.

[Nabukadnezar]

yea man, seriously i atleast expected alittle more from Marcello, special my ass. lol where do they get these scouts???

but seriously, look back to when Real was fricking amazing with the kinda passes Zindane put down, it wasnt any kind of through ball crap, you cant do that in the La Liga, no matter how shitty the team, the ball will alwyas be intercepted. seriously which play plays like that in La Liga

lol
that's so untrue

[Lance Knight]

whats your view on these guys

to me Torres is doing great and itis safe to say that he is the next salgado

unlike marcelo who i find is doing shit, he has all of Carlos' weaknesses but none of his strengths, Madrid might as well just play with 3 defenders

Gago looked lost on the field or rather dazzaled during the CL match against Olympiacos(sp) yesterday

and Higiuin is worst than soldado, so sell his arse and keep soldado,

[Wabbit]

Is Higuain dude.

[Lance Knight]

yea i wasnt sure how to spell his name,

anyway whats your views on them

[Wabbit]

I honestly dont have an opinion about them man, besides I have no idea of who Torres or marcelo r.

All I know is that Higuain doesnt play as much(or the way) as he used to do it in River Plate.

Same for Gago, is like he cant find his place in the middle field of RM, and cant play like he does in his national team. I never really liked the way he plays, not even when he was in Boca Jr.

[lightningghost]

Higuaín will be fantastic. He will grow into an incredible player. You heard it here first.

[Wabbit]

He'll ended up nationalizing as french again and playing for them, we sure dont want him in our team. He's good as hell thats for sure, but we got too many forwards to take an almost foreign.

[Captain Fury]

did gago play in boca?

[Wabbit]

Yeah man! he started there.

[Captain Fury]

he must be good then :lol:

getting away from the subject a little, what do you think of leandro gracian if you know who he is?

[Wabbit]

Hahaha wel my dad is a huge Boca fan and he never liked him...what what does an irish know of football.....:rolleyes:
personally I think he did a good job as a 5 there even when I dont like his game

hahah yeah I do know who Leandro Graciano is,and I thinkhe's a very good player, but his ego is stronger than him hahahhaah

[Raul_Madrid]

I think Gago next to Torres are the worst players in Madrid right now. Marcelo and Higuain are still young and will get much better, but at least they are playing a lot better then the other two.

Gago should go back to Boca and Torres should go back to second division lol

[Lance Knight]

whatare u saying torres is doing well, plus he is young too .................
he's 18 or 19 or 20,
but higuain is a total waste of time,

[lightningghost]

I think Torres is doing alright. He's good enough cover for Salgado, I reckon, and Sergio Ramos can play at right back in any case, so effectively MT is the third string. Given his age I think he's performing ok. He'll get a lot better in the next couple of years.

Gago isn't bad, but he doesn't really seem to do much. Out of the four of them I'd say he has the least potential. He won't be the next Guti or Fabregas, but he could grow into a reasonably useful player.

Marcelo is quite good, but I'd like to see him come back and defend a bit more. I'm also not sure if his crossing is any good. He has a decent shot on him though. One of the good things about Cicinho was his crossing and shooting. If only he had been able to defend, then he might have been worth keeping.

Higuaín is more of an impact player than a starting XI one. He's pacey, so he's good to bring on when the opposition are tired. As he gets older and more experienced this will change, but at the moment I think he is best used in the last twenty minutes of a match. Against Olympiacos he came on with about 25 minutes left, and although he didn't score or get any assists there was more of an attacking threat down the right wing. I still say that he will be a fantastic player in the future. And this is not all down to the fact that when I was in Madrid over the summer it was his name and number I got on the back of my new Real home shirt...

Higuaín's goal against Español at the end of last season was brilliant. We'll see more of the same this season. He's a lot better at shrugging off defenders you'd think looking at his build, and it's nice to see someone in La Liga who doesn't go down under the tinyest contact.

[Raul_Madrid]

All you people saying that Torres is doing well needs to start watching the games cuz Torres hasn't gotten much play time this season. Drenthe, Heinze, and Marcelo are way better.

[Lance Knight]

ayr they better at the RB postion, but u cant discredit the player because he doesnt get mucc playing time

[Lance Knight]

Torres has no Real Madrid regrets
November 20, 2007

Miguel Torres insists he's not unsettled at Real Madrid, despite failing to see regular action under coach Bernd Schuster this season.

The fullback said: "I know my situation is a lot different compared to last season, but I am young and I have patience.

"I knew I was going to compete with the best players in the world. If you are not willing to accept this, then you should look for an exit. The fact is I have wanted to play for Real Madrid since I was a kid and the desire remains the same.

"But it is difficult to fight with Sergio (Ramos) or Michel (Salgado) for a place and that the chances this season are not the same as last year."

yup he's young anf there is still alot of time for him, and there arent that many good RBs in the world so real would look to keep him

[Lance Knight]

Higuain jumps to front of Real Madrid strikers queue
November 21, 2007

Argentine youngster Gonzalo Higuain has jumped to the top of the strikers queue at Real Madrid.
Real coach Bernd Schuster now sees Higuain as Ruud van Nistelrooy's No1 understudy - ahead of the likes of Javier Saviola and Roberto Soldado.

Schuster has been playing Higuain on the flank this season, but sees his long-term position in central attack. The German, working closely with assistant Manuel Ruiz, has been impressed by Higuain's clever movement off the ball, which is seen as being far advanced compared with Soldado and Saviola.

well saviola was bought to be a solid bench man and he knows that, and well who knows whats soldado performance, never reall seen him on the pitch in a while, but i guess we got to trust Schuster on higuain's form

[Lance Knight]

Scorer Higuain: Real Madrid still in Copa tie
January 10, 2008

Gonzalo Higuain was happy with his goal in Real Madrid's 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat at Real Mallorca last night.

The Argentine said: "The result wasn't what we wanted, but I leave happy for having scored. The 2-1 result isn't so bad, we have a good chance of overturning it in the second-leg at the Bernabeu.

"Mallorca aren't a bad team, but I am convinced 2-1 isn't a poor result."

Real coach Bernd Schuster also said: "We weren't as solid as I would have liked at key moments in the game."

[Lance Knight]

Gago wins praise from Real Madrid coach Schuster
January 13, 2008

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster was pleased with Fernando Gago's performance in yesterday's 2-0 win at Levante.

Both goals came via Ruud van Nistelrooy, while plenty of focus was on Argentine Gago, who was filling in for Mahamadou Diarra as Schuster's midfield anchor.

The Real boss said: "I liked Gago today because he works very hard and plugs many holes. He never stops working. He played well and we leave here with three points and the Liga leadership.

"The most difficult part of this game was motivating the players about facing an inferior team. I spoke to them about this during the week and didn't have to say anything today."