Former Real Madrid Goalkeeper Slams Vinícius Júnior and Other Stars: "Get Them on the Transfer Market!"

Real Madrid has been plagued by several heated disputes in recent weeks. First, a conflict erupted between Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger, followed by an altercation between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, which resulted in the latter being hospitalized. On Tuesday, President Florentino Pérez stirred controversy during a press conference.

Adding to their woes, the club's on-field performance has also faltered. Following Sunday's 0-2 defeat to Barcelona in El Clásico, it's clear that the Madrid giants will end this season without a single trophy. Santiago Cañizares, who played 55 matches in goal for Real and earned 46 caps for the Spanish national team, offered his explanation for the unsuccessful campaign.

"The three captains failed," the former goalkeeper stated on Marca's podcast, El Debate de La Pizarra. "Carvajal, because he didn't play. And when someone doesn't play, they naturally lose influence in the dressing room and their willingness to serve the team," he remarked concerning the main captain of the Madrid squad.

His deputy, Federico Valverde, fared no better, with Santiago Cañizares criticizing not only the Uruguayan's behavior during the conflict with Tchouaméni. "He's a player who seems quite disengaged and isn't fulfilling his role as captain," the 56-year-old Spaniard added, before turning his attention to Vinícius Júnior.

"Recently (in Sunday's El Clásico, editor's note) he was captain of Real Madrid and boasted about fifteen Champions League titles instead of gritting his teeth and enduring what needs to be endured after a season that was humiliating for his club," he criticized the Brazilian star.

"All three captains must go. Get them on the transfer market!" was Santiago Cañizares' uncompromising verdict. He envisions a leader for his former team who, in his words, doesn't prioritize their ego and personal interests.

He also emphasized the importance of responsibility towards the club, likely alluding to Vinícius Júnior's ongoing contract situation, with his current deal set to expire in 2027.