Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Antonio Rudiger quipped that Jose Mourinho is his footballing father as he looked ahead to working under the returning Real Madrid boss next season.
Mourinho won three trophies – one LaLiga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana – in his first spell at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013.
He is now back for a second stint following the departure of Alvaro Arbeloa, who – like his predecessor Xabi Alonso – only lasted half a season as Madrid went without silverware in 2025-26.
Madrid have been busy in the transfer market ahead of Mourinho’s return, having already agreed deals to sign Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.
But they have also retained one of their most experienced players in Rudiger, with the centre-back signing a one-year contract extension earlier this month.
Rudiger has made 182 appearances for Los Blancos since joining from Chelsea in 2022, helping them win one LaLiga crown and one Champions League among eight trophies overall.
Rudiger’s combative style is something he shares with his new head coach, and speaking to DAZN after Germany’s 2-1 World Cup defeat to Ecuador on Thursday, the 33-year-old suggested it should be a good fit.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) June 16, 2026
He said: “Excited about working with Mourinho? We’re going to think about the World Cup and then I’ll go to my father!”
Last week, Rudiger noted in a press conference that he had missed out on previous opportunities to work with Mourinho, saying: “I can’t say too much, but I can say that I’m very excited. At last, I’m going to play under him.
“In the past, there were many conversations with him, but for some reason it never happened. That’s why now I’m even happier to have him with us.”
Madrid’s 2026-27 LaLiga fixtures will be confirmed on June 30, with Mourinho coming off the back of an unbeaten Primeira Liga campaign with Benfica in 2025-26, albeit one that did not result in silverware as they drew 11 of their 34 games to finish third.
La Liga News
Atleti can convince Alvarez to stay for another year, insists Suarez
La Liga News
‘Real Sociedad is my home’ – Oyarzabal brushes off Barca rumours
La Liga News
Mourinho takes dig at ‘big contradiction’ Barca ahead of renewed rivalry
La Liga News
Griezmann officially joins Orlando after Atletico Madrid exit
La Liga News
‘I hope it happens’ – Cucurella urges Fernandez to join him at Real Madrid
La Liga News
Mourinho: Real Madrid’s history cannot be compared to any other club
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
