Fabio Capello is considered one of the greatest soccer managers of all-time due to his stints at clubs like AC Milan, Real Madrid, and AS Roma. And, the 79-year-old Italian has clarified why he chose to push a superstar figure out of Los Blancos in the past.
So, which former Real Madrid ace was at odds with the ex-England and Russia manager?
Fabio Capello Opens Up on Rift With Real Madrid Icon
During his second spell at Real Madrid, Capello opted to part ways with Brazil great Ronaldo Nazario, facilitating a sale to AC Milan in the middle of the 2006-07 campaign. However, the Italian managed to guide Los Merengues to the La Liga title in 2007, beating Barcelona.
Speaking recently to MARCA, Capello opened up on the transfer saga involving Ronaldo.
“Best player I’ve coached? Ronaldo Nazário. He didn’t like losing weight; he liked life, and I kicked him out of Real Madrid. But if you ask me who’s the best, it’s him easily, by far,” the five-time Serie A-winning and two-time La Liga-winning coach said (via X/@MadridXtra).
During the first half of the 2006-07 term, Ronaldo struggled with injuries and weight issues while playing for Real Madrid. He scored just one goal in seven La Liga games before being shipped to Serie A outfit AC Milan for a transfer fee of around $9 million in January 2007.
Upon leaving Los Blancos, the former Brazilian striker thanked all but one, namely Capello.
“I would like to thank the fans who’ve supported me and thank all the teammates that I’ve had here and all the coaches I’ve had… except one,” Ronaldo said (via The Daily Mail).
Ronaldo, who won two FIFA World Cups and as many Ballon d’Or awards, scored 352 goals in 518 games at both club and country level during his playing career from 1993 to 2011.
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Real Madrid Join Race To Sign Premier League Midfielder
According to AS (via ESPN), Real Madrid have earmarked Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as a potential new signing and an apt rotational option for Aurelien Tchouameni. They have been told to dish out close to $82 million to secure the left-footed midfielder’s signature.
However, Xabi Alonso’s outfit will face tough competition from a number of Premier League teams this summer. Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all keen to sign the player.
Wharton, 21, has established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League since moving to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in early 2024. The three-cap England international has assisted eight goals in 70 total matches for the Eagles so far.
