Claudio says Bravo to Barca for message
CLAUDIO Bravo has thanked Real Madrid after the European champions sent him a classy message wishing him all the best in his recovery from Achilles surgery.
The Blues keeper went under the knife in Barcelona earlier this week after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in training last Monday, an injury that will sideline him for the bulk of the season. City signed Bravo, 35, from Barca for £15m two years ago but the goalkeeper’s allegiance to the Catalan club didn’t prevent fierce rivals Real Madrid from sending a supportive message his way.
“Dear Claudio,” the letter, written by Los Merengues legend Emilio Butragueno, begins. “On behalf of all of us at Real Madrid, especially our president Florentino Perez, I want to send you our best wishes for a very fast recovery
“We are very sorry about what happened, because injuries are the worst part of football, but we have no doubt that, with your professionalism and commitment, you will continue to give much joy to football fans.
“With all our respect and admiration.”
Bravo responded with gratitude, writing: “Thank you very much to for such a noble gesture. Acts like this do football very well.”
City recalled youngster Aro Muric from his loan spell at NAC Breda as a result of Bravo’s injury and Pep Guardiola named the youngster among his substitutes for the trip to Wolves at the weekend. Muric, 19, will be City’s back-up goalkeeper until Bravo’s return, with Daniel Grimshaw, 20, third choice.