Rennes and Real Madrid reached an agreement for the transfer of Eduardo Camavinga, for a deal worth €31 million that could rise to over €40 million with add-ons on the transfer deadline day, 31st August 2021.
The French midfielder was pursued by PSG and Manchester United as well throughout the summer, but he chose Real Madrid over the two on deadline day. He was officially presented as the new Real Madrid player yesterday,
Camavinga has been given the number 25 jersey at Real Madrid, which was previously worn by Rodrygo, who has now taken up number 21 after the departure of Martin Odegaard to Arsenal.
Camavinga said during his presentation: “I am very happy and proud to be here.”
“I want to thank the president of Real Madrid [Florentino Perez] and my family, because they have made it possible for me to be here. If a few years ago they told me that I would be here… Hala Madrid!”
Florentino Perez’s welcome
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez welcomed Camavinga to his new club. He said: “Today this club welcomes a player who is going to show his talent.”
“Camavinga and his family know how hard this path has been. Since he was a little boy he has been striving to wear Real Madrid’s shirt and that moment has now arrived.”
“Although he is only 18 years old, he was being watched by some of the biggest clubs in Europe. We have been tracking his talent for the last two years.”
“Dear Eduardo, you are now a Real Madrid player and I hope this is the beginning of a great career at Real Madrid.”
“You are coming to Real Madrid from a friendly club. You have made history by being the youngest player to make his debut for France since 1914. And now you will wear the shirt of the club that have won 13 European Cups, you will defend a badge that has the best record in the history of football and that has values that millions of people around the world identify with.”
“Your parents Celestino and Sofia and your siblings know what you have had to go through to get here. Here a career awaits you in which you will not be alone, in which the fans will always support you.”
“We are coming from a very hard time because of the [COVID-19] pandemic.”
“March 1, 2020 was the last time we could be together at the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu and it is exciting to say that football is now coming back to the Santiago Bernabeu after such hard and strange times.”
Camavinga’s press conference
Camavinga said in his first Real Madrid press conference: “I feel very pleased, very happy at Real Madrid. You think about the problems you’ve had and today I feel very happy.”
The Frenchman also revealed his favourite position on the pitch: “I get asked this a lot, but I like to play in front of the defence and I can adapt to many positions.”
He also talked about his countryman Benzema: “Benzema is an idol for all French people and a player who is very much involved with the youngsters, we’ve seen that with Vinicius. My Spanish… I speak a little.”
Camavinga further confirmed that his Real Madrid debut can be as early as this Sunday when they host Celta Vigo at the newly built Bernabeu. He said: “Yes, I’m ready to play right now.”
