'This is the Dignity of the Big Club'Real Madrid to renew contract with Carvajal in a surprise move'Until June 2026'

Oct 07, 2024

photo capture=RMC Sports

Real Madrid showed off the dignity of a big club.

Real Madrid announced on its official website on the 7th (Korea Standard Time) that it has agreed to extend the contract with Dani Carvajal (32). The period is until June 2026. Carvajal, who has played in Real Madrid's first team since 2013, will play for Real Madrid for 13 seasons.

It was surprising news. Carvajal was seriously injured the day before. Carvajal collapsed in the second half of the ninth round of the Spanish Primera Liga in 2024-2025 season against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain on the 6th. Real Madrid won 2-0, but it was due to the injury of key defender Carvajal.

Carvajal collided during a second-half stoppage time with Villarreal's Jeremie Pinault. My legs got tangled and my knees bent. Carvajal, who collapsed screaming, cried on the ground. Carvajal, who complained of pain, seemed to have sensed a major injury. Eventually, he was carried off on a stretcher.

After the match, Spain's Marca heard screams as Carvajal fell to the ground and quickly called medical staff into the stadium. 'When you see Carvajal in tears, the seriousness of the injury seems very clear,' he said of the situation. Coach Carlo Ancelotti also lamented that `we can't update the situation for sure, but the injury is very serious.'

It was as expected. The examination revealed a cruciate ligament rupture. Carvajal said on his social media on the 6th that `a serious cruciate ligament injury has been confirmed and he will have to undergo surgery and miss for several months. I want to recover as soon as possible and come back healthy. I really appreciate everyone who sent me a message and I feel like I'm receiving a lot of love."

It's the worst news for Real Madrid. Carvajal is a key Real Madrid defender. Carvajal, who returned to Real Madrid after a loan with Leverkusen, held firm to Real Madrid's right. He helped lift as many as 26 trophies, including three consecutive European Champions League victories. Real Madrid's status remained strong even as they embarked on a major generational change. He has continued to perform well this season.

Carvajal's departure caused head pain in Ancelotti's perspective. Lucas Vazquez is holding on to the backup, but it is not easy to fill Carvajal's gap in offense and defense. It's not easy to recruit right away, and there aren't many players in the market who can play as well as Carvajal. "Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament typically require six months to a year of recovery and Carvajal's long absence could cause major problems for Real Madrid's goals this season," OneFootball said.

Real Madrid are already suffering from a lack of players in key positions this season. The weight of the best 11 is unrivalled, but it's not the depth enough to play multiple tournaments at the same time. There are also concerns about additional injuries. OneFootball said there was a possibility that there could be additional injuries besides Carvajal. Following Kylian Mbappe's brief absence from injury, Vinicius is also out of shape.

It's a bad situation, but Real Madrid gave Carvajal a boost. Real Madrid said 'The club will spare him all possible support and sincerely wish him a speedy return.

vanbasten@sportschosun.com