JJ Gabriel says Real Madrid are clearly better than Barcelona

Man United appear to have reluctantly accepted JJ Gabriel’s departure, with the 16-year-old breaking his silence for the first time two months after leaving the club.

JJ Gabriel has spoken publicly for the first time since asking to leave Man United, saying Real Madrid are “clearly” better than Barcelona.

The 16-year-old Gabriel has spent the past six weeks training with a private coach in Spain, first in the Catalan town of Castelldefels and more recently in the capital, Madrid. Real Madrid have reportedly reached a verbal agreement in principle to sign the forward, but Man United sources insist the club have yet to receive a direct approach.

Gabriel's family are also said to have kept the club that still holds his registration. Now, however, he has finally broken his silence.

After training on Friday afternoon, he was handed a copy of Thursday’s edition of Spanish sports newspaper Marca. The front page featured a photograph of Gabriel and declared that his move to Real Madrid was imminent.

Gabriel reportedly asked, “Can I keep this newspaper?” as he posed for a photo holding it. Clearly grateful for the gift, he added, “My dream is to win the Ballon d’Or.”

Marca also asked the youngster why Real Madrid were better than Barcelona. He replied: “Real Madrid are obviously better.” His father, Joe O'Cearuill, smiled in agreement with his son.

The report also says that his agent, Ali Barat, took over his representation less than a month ago but has already begun looking for a home in Madrid for Gabriel and his family. The search for accommodation is reportedly taking place alongside negotiations over the terms of a new contract for his client.

Gabriel appears set to join Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team, who play in Spain’s semi-professional third tier. Casemiro and Vinícius are two notable examples of players who initially joined the club’s B team.