5 Reasons Cristiano Ronaldo Must Return to United in January

Cristiano Ronaldo @AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo is still in top form after 13 years of his career. He is still able to play five more years to add to the collection of titles in his trophy cabinet.

Since becoming the world's most expensive player when moving to Real Madrid, Ronaldo's career shines even more brightly. However, this season, Ronaldo's game looks a little decreased.

Real Madrid has a cruel reputation about their treatment of players who have gone downhill. It would be better if Ronaldo thinks about leaving Santiago Bernabeu in the near future so as not to fare badly like Iker Casillas.

Ronaldo himself has been very often associated with his return to Manchester United. Here are five reasons Ronaldo should join the Red Devils in January as reported by Sportskeeda.

1. The presence of Marco Asensio

Many consider the figure of Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be replaced at Real Madrid. However, the emergence of Marco Asensio can break the assumption.

This Palma-born player has surprised many with his career that increasingly skyrocketed with Real Madrid. He has shown signs of being a great player in the future with a remarkable performance.

How great he is that Madrid fans flooded social media with the question 'Who need Ronaldo?', After Asensio proved influential in El Clasico's match and as long as the Portuguese star was absent.

Zidane already considered the left-footed player was in the second position after Lionel Messi. It is very clear that Asensio can threaten Ronaldo and the Portuguese player must think about his future.

2. Tax Issues

Ronaldo fans rejoice over Lionel Messi's possible imprisonment for tax scams a few years back. But, little did they know that Ronaldo would be a victim of a much bigger embezzlement than his Argentine counterpart.

Apparently, the Real Madrid star was the subject of tax evasion valued at 14.7 million euros from his image rights. In July, Ronaldo faced the first trial of 90 minutes from the tax authorities in Spain.

It seems unlikely for a generous athlete like CR7 to be punished for the problem. Although Ronaldo decided to stay at the Bernabeu, his tax problems have not been completed until now. In addition, his agent Jorge Mendes was also dragged into a dispute with the tax authorities after being called in for an investigation into the case.

Ronaldo expressed his desire to return to England, where he would not have encountered such a tax case compared to in Spain. If the allegations prove to be true, the Portuguese star could have packed up his belongings and returned to Carrington.

3. Scenario Changes

Ronaldo and Messi are known to often be involved in the competition since the first minute of the new season La Liga. However, Ronaldo has been lagging a few miles behind Barca striker, due to a five-match penalty as a result of pushing referee in the Spanish Super Cup.

Although Real Madrid fans expect it to bounce back, the situation did not go well. Despite having scored twice against Dortmund since returning, Ronaldo has not been effective in La Liga for not scoring in the last three games for Real.

Absent scoring in three games is actually normal for other players. However, it's a sharp spotlight when Ronaldo is through. Moreover, Real Madrid is seven points behind Barcelona.

CR7 has won four Ballon d'Or and is currently struggling to win the fifth title to match Messi's nicks. However, the fasting of his goal could damage Ronaldo's chance to gain the honor.

Moving to the Red Devils in January will be an exciting new challenge for him. Messi and Barca are also rumored to join the Premier League if Catalonia achieves independence.

When that happens, Ronaldo will again compete with the Argentine star in the Premier League. Given his age, Ronaldo should take the opportunity before it's too late.

4. Nothing Needs to be Proven at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most important player in helping Real Madrid to gain a golden era. His goal has made Real Madrid the first team to defend the Champions League title.

To add to his record, Ronaldo has been the all-time leading scorer for Real Madrid. He has won every important award a legend must have in his trophy cabinet.

The move to United may be even more interesting because he will have a new target to be solved at Old Trafford. Ronaldo has scored 118 goals for the Red Devils.

Given his ability to score at least 35 goals per season over the next four seasons, he can be Manchester United's all-time top scorer. By shifting Wayne Rooney, he will be the first player in history to become the all-time leading scorer for two different clubs.

It will be an interesting challenge for the 32-year-old Portuguese captain.

5. He deserves to be Loved

Since 2011, every summer transfer market has always been filled with speculation linking Ronaldo with his former club. It's no secret that the Manchester-based club has a special place in Ronaldo's heart.

Real Madrid fans have never really worshiped their legends as they should. Ronaldo has often been the victim of Bernabeu's public scorn when playing poorly. Although highly respected, it was reported that he felt treated like a criminal at Real Madrid because of it.

It will never happen to him at Old Trafford. Despite aging and no longer a feared player, Ronaldo is guaranteed to be loved if he returns. United fans still love the player who has worn number 7 in United.

However, his arrival may have a negative impact. Anthony Martial would have thought to move if Ronaldo reunited with United. In addition, CR7 is also reluctant to work with Ibrahimovic, who has the same ego as himself. Ibra is getting closer to retirement and one year of their togetherness will not be as grotesque as imagined.

Jose Mourinho can be relied upon to make his team always compact. If United are able to convince Ronaldo to go home, then the Red Devils return to their glory era.

Jan Oblak and the Art of Making Frustrated Opponents

Jan Oblak when first time join Atletico © Atletico Madrid

One factor that makes Atletico Madrid hard to beat is Jan Oblak presence under the crossbar. The 24-year-old Slovenia goalkeeper even often makes the opposing players feel frustrated by his toughness in guarding the goal.

Oblak greatness has been recognized in the La Liga. Trofeo Ricardo Zamora from the last two seasons he won was a real testament. He grabbed it because he deserved it.

Your #LaLiga record is ridiculous, Jan Oblak. 😱 pic.twitter.com/SdOSD28MQp

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) October 4, 2017

This 2017/18 season is his fourth season in Atletico uniform. The statistics in La Liga are amazing.

In 86 appearances so far, Oblak has gained 50 clean sheets (matches without conceding) and just conceded 49.

Jan Oblak in La Liga
Appearance: 86
Conceded: 49
Match without conceding: 50
Yellow card: 3
Red card: 0.

Jan Oblak statistic in La Liga (c) Transfermarkt

Oblak was the best goalkeeper in the Portuguese Primeira Liga 2013/14 season, Atletico recruited from Benfica for € 16 million in July 2014. At that time, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in La Liga history.

Oblak was projected to be a substitute for Thibaut Courtois who returned to Chelsea. When presented as a new Atletico player, Oblak said: "I have come not to replace anyone, I came as another player."

"I will do everything to defend this uniform, I will do everything I can to help the team."

Oblak proves it. Slowly but surely, he developed an art that is now synonymous with him - the art of frustrating the opponent with great saving below the goal.

In the beginning, Oblak was just a backup for Miguel Angel Moya, who was recruited from Getafe a month earlier. But the injury suffered by the Spanish goalkeeper against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League changed everything. Oblak seized the place of Moya and made his senior just played matches in Copa del Rey.

But Oblak indeed deserved to be the main goalkeeper. His toughness as the last bastion of Atletico increased in the 2015/16 season, where he won Trofeo Zamora after conceding only 18 goals in 38 La Liga matches - equaling Francisco Liano (Deportivo La Coruna) record for 22 years.

In Slovenian national team, he was also out of the shadow of Samir Handanovic who retired at the end of 2015.

The following season, the award for a goalkeeper with the lowest goals-to-games ratio in La Liga was falling again into Oblak's hands. Then the Spanish media dubbed him ' Jan Zamora '.

It is not easy to steal goals from Oblak. Players like Neymar, Luis Suarez to Karim Benzema have just scored a goal against Oblak in several matches.

So far, only four players have scored more than one goal against Oblak in La Liga. The top two are Lionel Messi from Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo from rivals Real Madrid.

Goal vs Jan Oblak in La Liga
4 - Lionel Messi (5 matches)
3 - Cristiano Ronaldo (4 matches)
2 - Roberto Soriano (2 matches)
2 - Cristhian Stuani (1 matches).

With his prowess as a goalkeeper, Oblak is like having mastered the art of frustrating the opponent. The last player frustrated by him was Nabil El Zhar.

Atletico against the host Leganes on Jornada 7 La Liga 2017/18. Atletico could only grab draw 0-0 and failed to bring home maximum points.. But one point itself deserves to be grateful for them.

Atletico could have lost. Oblak who prevent them from defeat. Three shots on target, all by El Zhar, were successfully broken by Oblak with his heroic action.

That was the 50th clean sheet of Oblak in La Liga.

Leganes was frustrated by him. But they didn't need to worry because they were not the first and the only one. Many others already feel the same.

Recalling Phenomenal Debut 'Il Fenomeno' Ronaldo at Bernabeu

Exactly 15 years ago, on 6 October 2002, Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima played his first appearance at Santiago Bernabeu with Real Madrid greatness uniform. The legendary Brazilian striker took just a minute on the pitch to netted the first of his 104 goals with Madrid.

In the game, Ronaldo immediately bought up two goals. A perfect 'introduction', phenomenal, it was perfect for a player who bears the nickname Il Fenomeno.

Overall, Ronaldo scored 104 goals in 177 appearances for Madrid in all tournaments. It all started from his debut at the Bernabeu against Deportivo Alaves.

Born in Rio de Janeiro on September 18, 1976, Ronaldo started his professional career as a footballer with Cruzeiro in 1993. After the 1994 World Cup, which he attended despite being 17 (but not played), Ronaldo joined PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

Ronaldo's ability as a striker was growing rapidly. Two seasons at PSV, he attracted Barcelona and Inter Milan. Barcelona was a club that successfully bought him with a transfer value of $ 19.5 million ( a world record at that time). Ronaldo was only one season in Barcelona uniform, ​​but that was enough for him to win the FIFA World Player of the Year 1996 award. At the age of 20, he became the youngest player ever to win.

Based on the problem of contract negotiations, Ronaldo chose to leave Catalan. Inter finally got it in the summer of 1997. With a transfer value of $ 27 million, Ronaldo became the second player after Diego Maradona who ever broke the world transfer record twice.

With Inter, his ability as a forward being more perfect. Speed, a technique to goal instinct being sharper. Until Italian media dubbed him 'Il Fenomeno', and we do not need Google Translate to find out the meaning.

But a knee injury made Ronaldo can not pull out all his best ability. After the 2002 World Cup, and 59 goals in 99 appearances with the Nerazzurri uniform, Ronaldo returns to Matador Country. Madrid recruited him with a transfer value of € 46 million.

Ronaldo was brought in as part of the Galacticos era, which included Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, to David Beckham.Though an injury made him unable to get down to the field until October 2002, the Madrid fans were constantly singing his name.

Their wait to see Ronaldo appear in Madrid's uniform at the Bernabeu was finally completed on October 6, 2002, when Madrid hosted Alaves in Jornada 5 La Liga.

Entered as a substitute for Guti on 63rd minutes by coach Vicente del Bosque, Ronaldo took just a minute to score his first goal. The goal was born from the assist of his compatriot, Roberto Carlos. In the 78th minute, continued through pass from Steve McManaman, Ronaldo scored his second goal. Madrid finally won 5-2 thanks to one goal from Zidane and two goals each from Figo and Ronaldo.

Since then, goal by goal continues to be born from the foot of Ronaldo, especially after returning to wear number 9 (in his first season he wore number 11). These included a hat-trick against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a Champions League quarter-final duel, which earned him a standing ovation from both supporters. In addition, Ronaldo also scored one of the fastest goals in Madrid's history when breaking into Atletico Madrid's goal in the 14th second (La Liga 2003/04). Not to forget anyway, some beautiful goals in El Clasico against Barcelona - which incidentally was his former club.

Together with Madrid, Ronaldo won La Liga twice and grabbed one title each; Intercontinental Cup and Supercopa de Espana. On the individual side, he won Trofeo Pichichi, his third FIFA World Player of the Year and the second  Ballon d'Or.

His last two seasons in Madrid, before leaving in the winter of 2007, Ronaldo was more absent due to injury and weight problems. After Madrid recruited Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2006, Ronaldo was rarely given a chance by coach Fabio Capello.

Ronaldo finally left Madrid, but his prowess remains timeless.

Ronaldo then returned to the city of Milan, but this time to wear the red-black uniform AC Milan. But Ronaldo was no longer the same Ronaldo. Ghost injury was still faithful terrorize him. Only one season he strengthened Milan.

Ronaldo then joined Corinthians in 2009, before announcing his retirement in February 2011. The injury was the one who forced him. In a press conference at the time, Ronaldo said: "It is very difficult to leave something that makes me so happy."

"Mentally, I still want to go on, but I have to admit to losing the condition of the body, the head wants to continue, but the body is no longer able.

Ronaldo finally closed his 18-year career as a professional footballer. He retired as one of the greatest strikers and players of all time.

In his prime-time; speed, technique, power, dribbling skills, ball control, balance and Ronaldo's goal instinct were unparalleled. Although basically right-footed, Ronaldo's left foot was also great, and it makes him even more frightening. Despite the position as a striker, Ronaldo was able to design an assist for his colleagues, thanks to his vision and passing ability he has.

Ronaldo was a true nightmare of the opposing defender. Dealing one-on-one with Ronaldo, goalkeeper usually can only surrender. He is indeed phenomenal.

Dani Carvajal, Future Captain of Real Madrid?

goal.com

Being a captain of a big team like Real Madrid is certainly an achievement as well as a great tribute. No exception for right-back, Dani Carvajal. At least that ambition he revealed after signing a contract extension with Real until June 2022.

As reported by the club's official website, Carvajal admitted very pleased with the addition of the duration of his contract with Real. The 25-year-old Spanish defender also wants to give more titles to the team he defends now and reveals that he wants to stay longer at Real Madrid.

"I can not be more pleased. I am very grateful for what the club has done to me. This is one of the most important days of my life, where I am extending contracts with clubs that matter a lot to me and keep looking at my progress. I am very fortunate to win many titles with Real Madrid, and I hope to win that again. "

"I always wanted to be here. Even I do not really care about the offer that comes. I focus on giving the best, and the club rewards me. We will not ignore any offer "

"(In fact) I do not really know the value of my buy-out clause. But it feels so high that no one can take me away, "Carvajal said.

On this occasion, Carvajal also revealed his personal ambition to be a captain of the team nicknamed Los Galacticos in the future.

"Lie if I do not want that (the captain's armband). But right now, the team leader is Sergio Ramos. The day that I will be captain of Real Madrid will still be very long. But of course, I would be very happy to accept it (the responsibility), " Carvajal added.

Born in Leganes, a suburb of Madrid, Carvajal has everything to become a Real leader in the future. He was already involved when the Spanish capital team won many titles. Includes Champions League titles in two consecutive seasons.

Although Carvajal is not currently in the current captain of the Real team, the time will come. And of course both the club and the fans, especially those in Spain there would be more pleased if the successor to Sergio Ramos is another Spaniard who is also a local boy.

Jeremy Mathieu and the Smoker's Story in the Football

Jeremy Mathieu (Getty Images)

"In Spain, I've always been criticized about my smoking habits. In fact, I'm not the only smoker on the football field. "

The statement was recently made by Sporting Lisbon player Jeremy Mathieu. The man from France who played for Barcelona last three years expressed his irritation constantly criticized by Spanish media due to chronic smoking habit.

"It really hurt me. More importantly, if I am judged upon my ability in playing football, not other things outside of it," continued Mathieu grumbling.

You may sneer or even hate Mathieu. But in this case, he is right. The defender who has always been heavily criticized for his poor performances during the play for Barcelona is not the only player who likes to smoke tobacco.

Smoking has become an integral part of the identity of French and Italian football players. The Serie A fans in the 1990s certainly remember the iconic moments of coach Marcelo Lippi smoking cigars with pleasure. To the extent, Sir Alex Ferguson also had time to speak about the habit of these rivals.

"I remember when Manchester United faced Juventus in Turin. It was raining heavily and I was soaking wet on the sidelines. Signor Lippi herself just sits down on the bench wearing a leather coat and smoking a cigar. "

The legendary Allenatore was already famous for his cigar. That said, the tobacco helped Lippi a lot who guided Italy won the 2006 World Cup in the event that made him calmer and thinks more clearly. Lippi is not alone, as some Italian League coaches are also often seen smoking, including Carlo Ancelotti and Hector Raul Cuper.

However, their smoking pleasure should be limited by the issuance of FIFA regulations in 2004. If previously coaches and staff could smoke-free on the sidelines, everything changed since 2004. FIFA prohibits any tobacco form consumed during a soccer game. The world football federation is afraid the presence of cigarettes or cigars will damage the image of football.

Tobacco is familiar with great players

Johan Cruyff  (twitter)

If traced further back, many phenomenal players who are actually quite familiar with tobacco. The Brazilian genius who also works as a doctor, Sócrates, is one of them. The Doctor openly admitted as an admirer of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, including the smoking habit of these two phenomenal figures.

The political meaning of tobacco may be felt also by the legend, Diego Maradona. It's common knowledge that Argentine legends have Guevara and Castro tattoos. If the deceased Sócrates likes to smoke a few cigarettes a day, Maradona is more often seen with large cigars on his lips.

Dutch genius Total Football, Johan Cruyff, before he died, even diagnosed with lung cancer due to his habit of consuming cigarettes since actively playing to become a successful coach. Another genius name, Zinedine Zidane, has also been caught smoking cameras, though later denied she was an active smoker.

The Sportster website has once made a list of world-class players who smoke or at least once caught on camera with cigarettes on their lips. The complete articles with photographs as evidence on this site contain some surprising names. In addition to Jack Wilshere, Mesut Özil, Wayne Rooney, and Wojciech Szczesny who once made a smoking controversy, the list also includes the names of Wesley Sneijder and Lionel Messi!

As the list of genius names on the smoking field grew, it was only natural that Mathieu was outraged by the treatment of Spanish media to him. Moreover, his claim that the appearance on the field is not always affected by smoking, supported by one of the world's best coach, Arsene Wenger.

"I do not agree with the statement that smoking affects the appearance of a player," Wenger said several years ago. "The audience just wants to see a good performance on the pitch."

Do you agree with the Professor's statement? Well, keep in mind that Wenger was once famous as a heavy smoker when he served as coach of AS Monaco.

The Intersection Road Of Arbeloa

via theworldgame.sbs.com.au/

At the intersection, we realize that the end of the road is not just one. Unlike a marathon run when we started we already know where we're going to finish and end.

No need to be like George, the old man who had stepped on an 80 years old but still resilient, sincere and wholehearted loves his wife, Anne, the woman who was paralyzed in the movie Amour Directed by Michael Haneke. Nor should like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi or Carles Puyol, who during his life just spent his time in one football club that he loved.

There was the time we don't have to finish something up because of the inability of the finish line. Not necessarily have what we love because of its limitations. Also do not have to endure in one club we love while the Club was already feeling no need of us. Now just wait for the time, how long we will be able to fight, the extent to which we will be able to survive and to the extent to which we will be sincere to something we love. However, love taught us that everything must know the boundaries and the limits that we measure up to this day.

The atmosphere suddenly being affected when old Real Madrid played their home games against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu, on Sunday, may 8, 2016. The game was the last game at home to Madrid this season. Madrid itself is still struggling in La Liga title after previously had left behind 12 points from the standings leader FC Barcelona.

However, until the weekend 37 in La Liga, Madrid managed to crop it to just 1 point. The game was also the last game at the Bernabeu after Alvaro Arbeloa a day before the game to announce not to resume his football career in Madrid.

Arbeloa is a defender without the incredible skill and barely "mediocrity". However, the game was very special remembering what He did not only in the field but also off the field.

Shortly before the match began, many Madridista believes that He will be playing that day. Many also believe Zidane will give him a chance to play for the last time at the Bernabeu as a starter. The reason: his dedication to the Club over the years. However, the reality was reversed. No Arbeloa name in the starting XI Los Blancos that day.

In the usual position he occupied, there is Danilo. In the position of left back, has also been filled by Marcelo. Also in the central defender, already filled by Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. The atmosphere seemed ordinary until in 79th minutes while Madrid was already replacing two players. One more chance to change players, and whether that opportunity does not also exist for Arbeloa?

However, the fate of the other said. He eventually replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in that game. The atmosphere was broken. Giant banner shaped jersey with the backs number 17 and the name Arbeloa being flown. Ramos, as captain, also could not stay silent. He appreciated the Arbeloa with removing the captain armband and then passed it on Arbeloa.

The whole Stadium roared considering its final day he plays at the Bernabeu. Shortly after the game ended, all the existing players in the field were also on the bench ran lifted Arbeloa just like a legend who gave everything for the Club.

via mirror.co.uk

His last match in Madrid was almost perfect. More perfect than parting with Iker Casillas, which led to tears at the press conference table full of pain. More festive farewell than Roberto Carlos when Madrid won the 30th Championship title in 2007. More highlighted than the farewell of Raul, Zidane, until Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left almost like normal people without the meaningful contributions.

The legend will go, and his memory will not be halted. He eventually encountered a crossroads in his life that he finally had to leave Madrid.

The Soul Of A Spartan

Since the death of Juanito Maravilla 24 years ago, Madrid almost has a minimal figure that maintains the club with a sincere heart, unto death to teach the full values of Madridismo spirit. Until He became the answer to what does Madrid need during this time. Defending player, put the body on the coach, appreciate the fans, to be the adhesive bridge between the club and the ultras sur, Madrid's hardline fans during this bad relationship with the Club's management. Twenty minutes after the match against Valencia was over, a giant banner shaped Arbeloa jersey still unfolds in the stands.

Being in Madrid since 2001, when he was 18 years old, making Arbeloa very understanding the conditions, ambition, and expectations of Madrid. It was a period in which Florentino Perez intensively built Galacticos squad. After bringing in Luis Figo (2000), Zidane (2001), Ronaldo Nazario (2002), David Beckham (2003), Michael Owen (2004), and Robinho (2005), the condition of the Madrid team changed drastically.

There was the term Zidanes to refer to the star players. There was also the term Pavones to refer to non-stars players upbringing from Academy of Madrid such as Francisco Pavon, Guti, Alvaro Meija, and Ivan Helguera. Guidelines for the players, both on and off the field, called the split with those terms.

Since then, Madrid became a collection of iconic player and a set of "successful" splitting the fans with the term Ikerista (fans of Casillas), Raulista (Raul fans), the Zidanes (Zidane fans) and so on. That's also the main reason why the achievements of Madrid Galacticos Vol 1 far from the desired standards.

The year 2006 was a period where He had to leave Madrid. Three years Arbeloa left Madrid; one-year in Deportivo La Coruna (2006-2007) and two years in Liverpool (2007-2009) to finally get back in the summer of 2009 when Florentino Perez built again Los Galacticos Vol 2 by bringing in star players as well.

Arbeloa, who was crisscrossing outside Madrid for three years, gets a very valuable lesson about how the phobia that will be faced by Madrid in the future. Since that time also, He always shows his identity, not only as a player but also as a Madridista, who is always ready for the integrity of the team.

The story began in the 2009-2010 season when Real Madrid's were coached by Manuel Pellegrini got tremendous criticism from the media. In that season, Madrid failed in the Champions League and failed to win the League. Arbeloa then conducted their own press conference by calling the journalists and describe the teams condition is very good, and players are happy trained by Pellegrini.

Although finally Pellegrini was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho, what Arbeloa did is remembered to this day.

In may 2012, when Madrid won the League for the 32 time. The issue about Gonzalo's move being strengthen. At that time Higuain has asked every player, the coaching staff, to some representatives Madridista, to sign his jersey. However, there was a surprise in the Madrid title celebrations in Cibeles at that time. Arbeloa took the microphone and sang: "quedate Pipita, Pipita quedate, Pipita quedate.." (Pipita--Higuain nickname--hang in). Until finally Higuain survived in the new season and left Madrid at the end of the 2012-2013 season.

In September 2012, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored, while Madrid's 3-0 win over Granada in La Liga, a lot of speculation at the time, said that Ronaldo was not comfortable in Madrid, Ronaldo wants to move, until the issue of Ronaldo was not appreciated by Madrid. Arbeloa was the first to meet Ronaldo and ask him open to everything about Madrid.

Shortly after that, he made writing and uploading her picture along with Ronaldo on his Twitter account: "I am here with you, bro, don't sad." Until finally in September 2013, Cristiano Ronaldo extended his contract until 2018.

The story continues in the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey in January 2013, when Messi reportedly insulted the wife of Arbeloa, Carlota Luiz, who at the time was pregnant with the taunt of "Bobo" in the parking lot of Santiago Bernabeu. He just smiled and said, "he does not want to fight with children."

He always defended his teammate until he called Spartan. Arbeloa was present when Madridista whistled Antonio Adan. He did not run when Diego Lopez got criticism from Ikerista. He also tried to calm the cold war between Casillas and Mourinho at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
He wore a shirt "Live Forever" as his promise to Madridista named Van Palomain who didn't get to see Madrid won La Decima for died first as a result of a train accident. Arbeloa also people who stood at the front when Gerard Pique mocked Madrid and was ready for "war" on social media with Pique.

There are many others special treatment which was done for Arbeloa to Madrid. It is also one of the reasons why to this day he persisted in Madrid when he is already stepping 33 years old. Currently playing time was minimal because his skills are considered mediocre.

However, everything must know the limits. Limits that's what we see when Arbeloa had to leave Madrid. Admittedly this will be a tough moment for the players, the Club, and Madridista. However, whatever it is, the Madridismo spirit and Spartan soul of Arbeloa will always live in Madrid.

Live Forever, Cap17an.

via guim.co.uk

Saul Niguez's increasingly important to Atletico Madrid

soccer-infos.com

On April 27, 2016, at Vicente Calderon Stadium, for the 11th time this season, was full. About 54 thousands of Atletico Madrid supporters filled the Stadium on the lips of the river Manzanares.

The match entered the 11th minute when a goal was created. Not Antonie Griezmann or Fernando Torres, but the 21 years player with number 17, Saul Niguez.

Receiving the gastric ball in the middle of the field, Saul controlled the ball perfectly. Thiago Alcantara overshadowed Saul, who carried the ball toward the sidelines.

Instead of waiting for Juanfran up to help the attack, Saul was dribbling the ball pierced the left side of Munich defense, breaking away from Thiago's custody and also pass through obstacles of Juan Bernat and Xabi Alonso.

Saul was now dealing with David Alaba. He then fired a left-foot kick. The ball curved sliding towards the goalpost. Arturo Vidal sliding to block the shot was too late.

Manuel Neuer, although already stretched, unable to reach the ball. Created the only goal in the match. A goal that brought Atletico Madrid beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final the first match of 2015/2016 (28/4).

In the Champions League this season Saul Niguez played in all Los Rojiblancos matches. He scored 3 goals and 2 assists.

One gorgeous assist he has made in the 2nd leg of the quarter-final match against Barcelona. With his back left leg, Saul was releasing crossing from the left side of the Barca defense to be headed by Griezmann that managed to find the net of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Griezmann goal was very important because it gave the advantage for Atletico that lost 2-1 in the first leg. The match was eventually won by Atletico 2-0 after Griezmann scored the second goal at the end of the match through a penalty.

Diego Simeone also gives great confidence in Saul Niguez in La Liga this season. Players who born November 21th, 1994 was playing in the 29 games of Atletico Madrid, 24 of which he played as a starter. Los Rojiblancos are now competing with Barca and Madrid in the La Liga title race.

Saul Niguez started his professional career with Atletico Madrid B in 2010. He had several times to strengthen the first team before being loaned to Rayo Vallecano a full season in the 2013/2014 season.

Saul returned to Atletico Madrid in the 2014/2015 season. At that time, he became a coating line of Atletico midfielder that still reinforced by  Arda Turan (now Barcelona) and Mario Suarez (Fiorentina). In 38 La Liga matches that season Saul only played 9 times as core players.

This season Saul Niguez be one important element of Atletico Madrid for chasing the trophy in La Liga and Champions League. It is possible that it will make Vicente Del Bosque called him to strengthen Spain in the European Cup 2016. Saul has not even posted caps with the senior national team.

Diego Simeone long ago been fenced Saul of the target of other clubs. In an interview, Simeone said, "A departure for him (Saul Niguez) seems hasty to me Because he's young and, in order for him to keep improving, there's nowhere better than home - the which is Atletico."

Saul Niguez is undergoing a remarkable season with Atletico Madrid. Talked about where he will be docked next season, or compare his performance with other players, like Messi, for example, actually premature.

More interesting to see his contribution to Atletico Madrid in a few games remaining. La Liga champions? Qualify for the Champions League final? Both? Or neither?

Atletico Madrid: Constantinople in Modern Era

the guardian.com

One important reason why the Roman Empire became a great history milestone because their capital city was located in Constantinople. For centuries, the town that lies between the two continents, Asia and Europe, becoming one of the main reasons why the Romans could be in power for hundreds of years.

When the ancient Roman Empire under the reign of Constantine I built the city of Constantinople from zero, one thought was how to keep this city, which will become the capital of the country, should have a layered defense that can not be penetrated by the enemy of all sectors.

The project was initiated by Emperor Constantine I who took the initiative to build a great wall that stretched surrounding the city. And this was not the first layer of defense wall, even inside the city, they had a pretty strong fortress.

The second project was continued by Emperor Theodosius, who built  Theodosian wall that stretches 1.2 miles (two kilometers) to the west of the first wall being built surrounding the city.

Amazingly, Theodosian wall built with multiple systems. Two layers. And to add to the impression of fierce, in every wall, stationed thousands of troops to guard the town. Three layers of the wall with thousands of guards at each layer. An impregnable fortress.

It became a fairness why Roman Emperor in each of its time so eager to build a formidable fortress to protect the city. In addition to being the strategic trade route, because it was located on the road from Europe to Asia, Constantinople also become the world's maritime lanes were so crowded at that time.

It was a city built on seven hills (can look at the history of ancient Latin in the narrative Remus-Romulus), located in the path between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. With all access to such a potential, the construction of layered walls to protect the city was a natural thing.

The wall was not just a mere symbol for Constantinople, but also become an important defense base that makes Constantinople into a magnificent city, wealthy and difficult to penetrate.

Throughout the history of the Roman Empire (or Byzantine) in Constantinople, the city only twice could be penetrated. First, when the Templars Knights from Latin armies of the Fourth Crusade came to loot Constantinople.

Looting Constantinople was also being an important historical record for being the first milestone of a dispute between the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in Rome.

And 200 years later, then the city was re-penetrated by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed II, who later unanimously to rename Constantinople (which smelled Christians) into Islambol. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk then refined it into Istanbul, as we know it today.

Narrative of Constantinople at the top will be a short introduction to invite you to compare a great story one of the most important cities with a strong history in Europe and the world with a lunge of Diego Simeone with Atletico Madrid this season (also a previous season).

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Since Diego Simeone came to Madrid five years ago, Atletico Madrid had recorded 135 clean sheets in 256 matches. If our mathematical sciences are not wrong, the ratio of Atletico's clean sheet since handled by Cholo nickname of Simeone is above 50%, man!

A Note that was incredibly special considering they are in a league that for many years monopolized by Real Madrid and Barcelona.

One proof of a great coach when he can implement a philosophy which he believes is right for his team. Louis van Gaal with a mastery of the ball at Manchester United, Pep Guardiola with his juego do posicion at Bayern Munich and Barcelona until Arsene Wenger with his Wengerball at Arsenal.

Cholo has his own philosophy. Let's take a step back in time when the coach dapper still competed as a professional player.

Simeone was a defensive midfielder with spartan spirit and did not hesitate to play hard. He was also a player with the characteristics of cunning and very provocative. David Beckham could be asked specifically about this testimony.

Some characteristics of his playing style as a player, he applied to be a right philosophy at Atletico for five years. Los Rojiblancos transformed into spartan and strong team. Very tactical and tight. Not infrequently, they are willing to play dirty.

You remember the incident Arda Turan took off his shoes and threw them to the line judge against Barcelona last season in the Copa Del Rey? Or hard tackle of Gabi, Tiago Mendes until Diego Godin every time they met the nobles of Real Madrid and Barcelona? It is a form of Atleti under Simeone.

Atletico is great because they are in the right hands with the brilliant concoction of the formation. Simeone makes people aware again of the presence of the classic 4-4-2 formation when delivered his foster children damaging hegemony of Barca and Madrid in the Spanish league season 2013/2014.

He did not revive the 4-4-2, but he made the public aware that the classic formation that considered obsolete are still able to produce titles if executed with the right dose and play the right way.

Probably, this is just speculation, what is applied Leicester City under coach Claudio Ranieri this season, absorbing from what is shown by an Argentinean man born in Buenos Aires Argentina at Atleti. Leicester is very tight, its compactness awake and playing with the same formation, classic 4-4-2.

Accidental? Maybe. But whatever it was, The Cinderella Club is preparing to embrace the titles in the next few weeks. And it is a solid fact.

Remarkably, the wall built by Simeone with Atleti resumed along this season. As the data, from the 35 games that have been undertaken in the league, the team's neighbors Real Madrid won by clean sheets record 22 times. And during 35 games of that, they only conceded 16 times.

The note can be more perfect considering in this season, in all competitions which they follow, Los Colchoneros never lost by more than one goal. Proof that this team is the team with the best defense in Europe this season.

And without reason then they are coupled with Barcelona at the top of La Liga this time with 82 points, only to lose head to head refers to the record of the meeting between the two teams in the League.

This is a series of statistics which showed that Atletico under a coach  named Diego Pablo Simeone Gonzalez is one team that very decent to win the Champions League this season.

Simeone builds a team with a very strong-lined fortress and sturdiness. He built a new Constantinople in the image of the football team.

Uniquely, Atletico's defend style never be boring, because many educative things can be learned. Pressing trap, for example, this strategy is often used Simeone when met with teams that occupied many opposing players with qualified technical quality.

European Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona this season was proof of the efficacy of this tactic. Two of the world's best midfielder, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta made powerless.

In the second leg, the front-line trio of aliens in Barcelona even trouble opened fire into Jan Oblak goalpost. Still not enough?

If you have plenty of time, you may watch the expression of Pep Guardiola when Bayern Munich was frustrated when penetrated layered walls of Atletico that was not only solid but also tactical on Thursday morning (28/4).

Like the Constantinople, Atleti also had been penetrated and dominated by opponents. The final of Champions League 2013/2014 season was the obvious example.

One "buzzer beater" goal Sergio Ramos to the Thibaut Courtois goalpost thwart Atleti dream to reach trophy. Not quite up there, three goals in extra time immersed team based at the Vicente Calderon on a bitter defeat.

And like Constantinople, Atleti undergo restoration. He rose, along with Simeone. Make more formidable fortress again. Build a war fleet sharper longer, and most important, layering their defense with walls that more solid again.

This time, perhaps, they will prevail. Not only in Spain but also Europe, even the world.