There are two main stories dominating the sports pages in Spain this morning. The first is how Nelson Mandela impacted the world of sport.
The 95-year-old former South African president and global icon passed away yesterday at his home in Johannesburg. One of the most famous images in sport history is that of Mandela handing Francois Pienaar the rugby world cup in 1995 after the Springboks had won the trophy, a picture that symbolised the united South Africa that Mandela worked tirelessly for.
The other main story is the World Cup draw that takes place later today. Spain will find out what group they will have to negotiate as they look to defend the trophy they won on that glorious night in South Africa in 2010.
There is however plenty of Real Madrid news too, and Marca opts for a big transfer story on its front page. According to the biggest selling daily newspaper, Los Blancos will make a move for Real Sociedad defender Iñigo Martínez at the end of the season.
The paper claims the Santiago Bernabeu club will make a 30 million euro offer – meeting the figure stated in his release clause. Carlo Ancelotti’s side is keen to tie up a deal with Barcelona and Bayern Munich also interested, Marca said. Should Martinez sign for Real Madrid, it could increase speculation about Sergio Ramos’ long term future at the club, or point to more serious knee problems than first thought for Raphael Varane.
AS has quotes from former player and assistant manager Aitor Karanka, who opens up about his time working for Jose Mourinho. He admits his friendship with Iker Casillas suffered by the end of his time at the club, but that dropping him was a decision made for the good of the team.
