BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Czech Republic midfielder Vladimir Darida is determined to enhance his growing reputation by downing Scotland tomorrow night – with Real Madrid reportedly watching.
Darida, 25, has been a revelation since joining Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin from SC Freiburg last summer, spearheading their shock push for a Champions League place.
The gifted ‘water carrier’ has scored seven goals in 34 outings for the capital club this term, helping them to third spot in the top-flight behind giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
According to suggestions in Germany, Real Madrid are considering a summer swoop for Darida – but he insists defeating Scotland is a more pressing concern that a switch to Spain.
He said: “When the newspaper ran the story about Real Madrid I had to turn off my phone!
“However, I am down to earth and it didn’t bother me. I live for football in Berlin and that is my only concern. It [the interest] just motivates me do get even better.
“Are Real Madrid my dream club? The only club I am a really big fan of is Manchester United, but if an offer came in from Real Madrid then of course you would need to consider it. It is a place every footballer would love to play.
“They monitor a lot of players around the world and they will pick the ones they really believe in. So far, I have not thought about whether that might be me in the summer.
“The main focus for me in the national team and the friendlies against Scotland and Sweden. Every single player is fighting for a place at Euro 2016 and we need to put in our best performances.”
