Raúl press conference: Raúl appeared before the media the day before the XXXV Santiago Bernabéu Trophy. The Madrid player explained how he feels about returning to the Whites’ stadium: “It’s going to be an emotional game. I have come here with my current team, but with the excitement of wearing the Real Madrid shirt again, which I wore with pride. Real Madrid gave me everything, the Bernabéu, the fans, and I think tomorrow will be a special day. It will be emotional for me and a celebration. I am very happy to return to what I think of as my home and see a lot of friends and team-mates. I hope it will be a great match. My team-mates are very excited about playing this match and the important thing is that everyone enjoys it, the players, the fans and the people watching at home”. Raúl emphasised how happy he is to be playing in this match: “I am happy because my friends and family are going to be here. My children ask me if I played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and maybe I will spend some time with him wearing a Real Madrid shirt. I am not going to ask people for anything, they have always shown me their affection and respect from the first day, and if anyone owes something then it is me: scoring more goals and playing better in my time at this club”. Raúl answered questions about his current professional situation: “At the moment I still feel good as a player, I have another year to go on my contract and then I will make the decision that I think is best. I am always thinking about returning to Real Madrid, and when I think I can offer something to the club without playing I will be delighted to return. I will need a period of transition and learning so I can find out if I can do something important and be useful”. He talked about the Whites’ next opponent, saying: “Last season we won the Qatari championship and we are excited about playing in the Asian Champions League, which we won a couple of years back. This team also played in the Club World Cup against Barcelona and is a club with a lot of prestige in the Arab world. It has talented players, although unfortunately some of them will not be here. It is a competitive team and my team-mates are excited to play against Real Madrid. That is what is in our minds despite the difference between the two clubs. I am happy to be here and because my team-mates will have the chance to play in the world’s best stadium, the most exciting in my opinion.” The former Madrid player talked in the press room about Madrid’s basic pillars: “Madrid’s values are hard work, respect, humility, solidarity… When I first came here, they taught me to play well, to win and above all to respect your opponents. In the Real Madrid shirt there were friendly matches where you had to defend the shield as though it were the last match ever. As veterans we try to transmit this to the youngsters at the club”. “Like all the Madrid fans, I am excited by what I have seen of the club in pre-season, they want the ball more and this takes time, but I think that this could be one of the best squads in the club’s history. A new project is starting where everyone has to be united and pull in the same direction”, he said on the subject of Madrid’s start to the season. The forward also mentioned the first team residence after his visit to the Real Madrid Football City: “They are magnificent facilities which make you feel like Real Madrid is also moving forward and that the players will have all the facilities they need. With these facilities, we will see a lot more football”. On the subject of his leaving the Whites he said: “Three years ago I was here saying goodbye, I couldn’t say it to everyone how I wanted and so the Bernabéu Trophy will be a special day. I wouldn’t change anything that has happened in recent years and I am happy to experience this moment. I have tried in the past but it didn’t work out. The moment I took the decision to leave I thought that my time was over. A new atmosphere gave me back my motivation, and made me enjoy football and feel and feel more free, thinking about resting and playing. This is the greatest club, but on a day to day basis it is hard”. He also gave his opinion on Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo. Talking about the goalkeeper he said: “Casillas will definitely go forward and keep working and will get his chance. He is at the best age and wants to be here. The season has just started and Iker will fulfil his duty as captain to help his team-mates and the club at all times”. He also praised the Portuguese player’s performances in white: “He is Real Madrid’s best investment in recent years. He is a player with a lot of hunger, who never gets tired of winning and gives everything in every match. All the Madrid players would be very happy for him to continue”. When asked about Bale, Raúl gave his opinion on the Welshman: “I think he is an astonishing player, who has made the difference in recent seasons and that now, after Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, seems to be in the best form. Everybody wants him in their team. Real Madrid seems to be pushing hard, because they think he could be an important player, and if the club makes an effort then I think everyone will enjoy watching him play”. Butragueño accompanied Raúl to the press room. The director of Institutional Relations expressed his satisfaction with welcoming back the Spanish forward: “It is a pleasure to be before a footballing legend who has earned the respect and admiration of everyone thanks to his professionalism. He is an example for society and for youngsters, someone who youngsters who want to be footballers should look at and who personifies the values of this club”.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:19:19 +0000
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