Eduardo Camavinga reveals preferred Real Madrid position
Eduardo Camavinga has spoken to the media for the first time since sealing a €40m deadline day transfer to Real Madrid, discussing among other things the role he wants to play.
Camavinga has long been one of the most highly sought after talents in Europe, breaking into the Rennes first team aged just 16 back in 2019. He went on to make just shy of 100 appearances in all competitions before Real snapped him up last month.
As 90min revealed back in 2020, Los Blancos has been tracking the Frenchman for some time and they believe he can be their midfield lynchpin for years to come.
Speaking to the media during his unveiling as a Real player, Camavinga said he did not hesitate when the opportunity to move to Madrid came up.
"The first factor is not money, but the pleasure of playing here and being able to fulfill a dream," he explained to the media. "When I found out that I could sign for Madrid I didn't think for a second. My family and I thought about what we could do in the future. It was a very thoughtful choice.
"When I was 16 years old, I did not receive any calls because I only played soccer. I know that Real Madrid was interested in me. My parents are the ones who take care of all these issues.”
Camavinga is a versatile performer capable of playing in a defensive or advanced midfield position. There has been some debate over where he might fit into the Real starting XI but he insisted that he was happy to operate in either role.
"I am a young player and we will see if I will need some time to adapt, but I feel ready...the idea is to play the available minutes that it can have. I'm very happy and it might be one of the best days of my life, like when I was called up with France. "
Discussing his preferred position, the youngster said, "I like to play ahead of the defence. I also have to adapt to all the styles of play and positions that the coach tells me. I will give everything in the position in which I play. Not that I look like one or the other player. I like to play soccer. I don't know if it is more important to play as a defensive midfielder or later. I like to play in the centre of the field."
Camavinga also spoke about some of his Real idols growing up, singling out compatriot Karim Benzema for particular praise.
"The Champions League, Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo. All the great players who have passed through this club," he said. "Benzema is an idol for all French people and he behaves very well with young people. We can see it with Vini Jr., who is always by his side."