Stuff that is not depressing
Enzo is still adorable. And so is Carletto. And this guy.
Raúl is home and tonight he gave a presser in the Bernabeu:
Raúl González spoke to the press at “his house”, the Santiago Bernabéu, the day before his current team Al-Sadd take on Real Madrid in the ‘Trofeo Santiago Bernabéu’ (he’ll play one half for each side).
Emilio Butragueño introduced the striker: “It’s a pleasure to be here with one of football’s legends, a man who’s won the respect and admiration of the world of football for his professionalism. He’s an example to all, society, youngsters and someone who the new generations who want to be footballers should look up to. Raúl, in the name of the club I want to give thanks for every training session and every game in which you gave the best of yourself to help the club and I know that tomorrow will be a special day for you, but also for Madrid because ‘madridismo’ loves you so much and it’s going to be a magical night”.
Raúl then answered questions from the press:
How do you feel?
It’s a bit different and rather strange. It’s going to be an emotional match. I’ve come here to play with my current team, who are from Qatar and not quite at the level of Madrid, but I’m excited about putting on the Madrid shirt I wore for so many years. Three years ago I said goodbye but I couldn’t say goodbye to all the people as I would have liked to. Tomorrow will be a special day. I’m touched by the fact the tickets have sold out and that there are fans waiting for me everywhere I go. Madrid gave me everything, the Bernabéu, the fans. It’s going to be a fiesta, it'll be emotional and we’ll have to wait and see how I react.
I’m really happy to be coming back to what I consider is my home, to see all my friends who are working and my colleagues. I hope it’ll be a good game, in spite of the difference. My teammates are excited and will give it their all. The main thing is for everyone to enjoy it.
How’s Iker?
He’s fine, he’s a true professional. He’s shown that every season he’s played here at Madrid and for Spain. He’ll work hard to do the best for the club.
How was it to be back at the training ground?
Going back to Valdebebas... I was emotional when I saw the new player residences, they could have built them a few years ago! [laughter] The new installations give you the feeling that Madrid is going forward. It’ll be good to be able to train, eat and rest there. To be immersed in football.
What is expected of the fans tomorrow?
I’m hoping for a big fiesta. I’m happy because my family and my friends will be here. My kids, my twins, ask me if I played with Cristiano and maybe tomorrow I can play with him. People have given me everything since I first wore this shirt. I owe them something. I should have scored more goals and done everything even better.
Will you come back to the club as a coach or in another role?
I still feel like a footballer and I’m in good shape. I’ll take the decision when I feel it’s time. The thought of coming back is always in my head and I when I think I have something to offer the club I’d be delighted to come back, but that needs a period of transition and I need to learn and to find out if I really have something to offer the club.
Does this game get a monkey off your back?
It doesn’t change any of the things that have happened over the last three years. Efforts were made to organise this game at other times, but the circumstances were never right. This year it was possible. In part because unfortunately they lost the Copa del Rey final... I’m happy to be here with all these people who have given me so much affection. For me this is the most exciting stadium in the world.
What do the three years away mean to you?
When you leave and travel it enriches you in every way. In Germany I did all the running I hadn’t done here and in Qatar it’s a period of transition and learning.
Why did you decide to leave Madrid?
When I took the decision I thought my time was up. The excitement of going to a new country made me recover the thrill I didn't have here. It made me enjoy my football and feel freer. I could focus just on my football. This is a big club but day to day it has its complications.
What do you think are Madrid’s values?
Hard work, respect, humility and solidarity. In 1992 when I arrived they showed me how to play well and how to win and how to respect all the rivals. There were no such thing as friendlies, and you had to defend the shirt as if it was the last ever game. That’s what us veterans try to pass on.
Cristiano’s renewal?
I think they should do everything possible to make sure he retires here. Hopefully he’ll stay. He’s been Madrid’s best investment. He’s so hungry and he never tires of winning. Hopefully he’ll stay and his contract can be renewed.
What do you think about some of Madrid’s fans jeering Casillas?
That’s not how it is. Everyone connected to the club knows what Casillas has given the club. Madrid has a new coach and a new sporting project, everyone is pulling in the same direction, Casillas too. The coach has to take the decisions. Casillas will keep going and he’ll get his chances.
Do you identify with Casillas’ situation?
That’s a question for him. Iker is 31 or 32 [he’s 32, born 20/5/81], he’s a keeper and these are his best years. He’s got four or five years at the top still to go. I saw him in Doha a few months ago and he was in good spirits and I think he wants to stay at the club. There’s a new coach and everyone needs to pull together. Iker will be in his role as club captain to help his teammates and the club at all times.
Do you like Bale for Madrid?
He’s a player who disrupts other teams. He’s been exceptional over the last few seasons. After Cristiano and Messi he’s the player who’s had the most impact. It looks like Madrid want him and they’ll make a big effort to get him. If it happens everyone will be happy.
How do you see the new set-up? Do Madrid need Bale?
If the club want to make the effort to bring him it’s because they think he’ll be important. At the moment all the Madridistas are excited, but the team need more training and more games. The squad is top notch.
What’s the difference between the Raúl of three years ago and the Raúl of today?
More grey hairs, three years older, the children are growing up, but I’m still excited to be playing football. The decision to keep playing is one I take from year to year because right now I’m good but I don’t know how I’ll be in 10 months.
And from Marca, a really lovely ode to Iker's time in Madrid: The goal as a glove.