Both clubs have different philosophy on the pitch and outside the pitch as well.
Real Madrid is like a strong symbol, a godfather of gangster where players who want to compete hard and win everything make the team. Its the player who want to join Real Madrid in most cases- yes Madrid does pay the money but players like Ronaldo or Bale always said Real Madrid was their dream destination. They were like small kids trying to be a part of this massive club.
Once they come in, they grow and win trophies and then they get fame and attention, which fuels the ego and raises the feeling of them being above the club. And that’s where the difference comes in for both clubs. Madrid doesn’t see the stature, or past or how many trophies a player has won for them. Even Ronaldo or Casillas were like small kids to them after all their years.
‘You came here to play football, so play it. Once you are done, leave. Expect no more.’ Madrid doesn’t show their players a hint of significance. They pay for their football, glory comes by winning trophies, not farewell- that’s what Real Madrid believe in.
Barcelona is different. It treats its players like a family. Once you are in, and if you can play their brand of football, they will make you their own. You will know their love when you get injured- watching messages from team mates, management and fans, all over the club like its a big deal for the proper functioning for the club. Players even wear a shirt before starting the next match showing their care for the injured player. Even a player like Rafinha who goes out on loan every single gets this much respect from the first team.
But the true bond is seen when players retire or leave- Xavi, Ineista, Mascherano and many more. They all left crying, and the club came together, all team mates, staff and fans to bid farewell. Not for a day, but sometimes it goes over a week as happened in case of Ineista. Especially the fans, they simply couldn’t let him go. The respect and gratitude they show for their players is just unparellel to any club out there.
So does that make Real Madrid wrong? It does appear so, but not all agree. Madrid can do better by giving even a small farewell or atleast not treating their legends like they did with Casillas or Ronaldo.
But I don’t think its going to change any time soon. And that’s for good. We will see what happens with Ramos and how he breaks down after thinking for a decade that he owned the Madrid dressing room.