In a stunning revelation that shook the football world, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso opened up about a heated phone exchange with Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who snubbed Madrid to join Arsenal in a £105 million transfer. Alonso claimed Gyokeres insulted the Spanish giants during their conversation, reportedly saying, “Real Madrid? That’s a retirement home for washed-up stars. Arsenal’s where the real future is—young, hungry, and building something meaningful.” The bold remark left Madrid’s camp reeling, exposing a rare moment when a player openly rejected the allure of the Bernabéu.
Speaking to Marca, Alonso didn’t hold back his frustration. He admitted that though Gyokeres’ decision to join Arsenal wasn’t his concern, the words exchanged still sting deeply. “I called him personally to discuss our vision,” Alonso said. “He laughed. Said Madrid was old news and Arteta’s project was miles ahead. That kind of disrespect, you don’t forget.” The incident occurred just before news broke of Gyokeres’ three-month injury, adding an ironic twist to the fiery saga.
The rejection couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsenal, who now face a title challenge without their star striker. But for Madrid, it served as grim satisfaction. Sources close to the club revealed that Gyokeres had been their top target to succeed Karim Benzema, with Florentino Pérez ready to activate his £86 million release clause. Madrid reportedly offered higher wages than Arsenal, yet the striker chose passion and playing time over paychecks and prestige.
Alonso went further, mocking the assumption that every player dreams of wearing the Madrid white. “He said he’d rather win one Premier League under Arteta than five Champions Leagues sitting behind Mbappé and Vinícius,” Alonso revealed. “He even called our locker room ‘a gallery of egos’ and described Arsenal’s as ‘a brotherhood.’ I told Florentino this boy had guts—but arrogance can backfire.”
That seven-minute phone call has since become locker-room legend at Madrid’s training base in Valdebebas. Reports claim Alonso replayed it to his staff, sparking laughter when Mbappé heard Gyokeres’ jab about “Galácticos 3.0—flashy and hollow.” The words stung but also amused the French superstar, reinforcing the image of Gyokeres as fearless and outspoken.
From his hospital bed in London, Gyokeres neither confirmed nor denied the comments. Instead, he delivered a cryptic message through Arsenal’s media team: “Some chase trophies with money, others build them with belief. I know which one I chose.” His statement cemented the perception that Arsenal had captured not just a striker but a player driven by conviction and purpose.
Behind the scenes, Madrid had pursued Gyokeres aggressively for months, even sending sporting director Juni Calafat to Lisbon multiple times. Arsenal’s offer, though financially lower, came with the promise of consistent starts and a leading role in Arteta’s vision—a pitch that clearly resonated more with the Swede than Madrid’s star-studded bench.
In closing, Alonso delivered one final jab of his own: “He called us a retirement home? Let’s see how Arsenal’s ‘future’ handles being sidelined for three months.” The Spanish press erupted—AS splashed “THE INSULT THAT COST MADRID £105M,” while Marca dubbed Gyokeres “The Swede Who Dared Say No.” Meanwhile in England, pundits like Gary Neville applauded the striker’s boldness. As Arsenal brace for life without their record signing, one thing remains undeniable—Viktor Gyokeres didn’t just turn down Real Madrid; he humiliated them. Whether it was bravery or folly, only time will tell.
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