Real Madrid

Iker Casillas gave a press conference exactly one month after winning the Euro 2008 with Spain. The Spanish captain is back and ready to work very hard.

How many times have you seen a picture of yourself lifting the Euro 2008 Cup?
So many... I will never forget it. It's on the internet, in the newspapers... It's even published now that Carlos Sastre's won the Tour de France. It's nice to be part of that picture.

What did your teammates say to you when you returned?
They all congratulated us and said they enjoyed watching Spain play so well. They are very happy for us.

Have you teased Cannavaro about it?
I shouldn't say this, but I have a bit. Nevertheless, as soon as he utters the words "world champion" one has to shut up, but at least I've enjoyed myself a little.

Have you spoken with Raúl?
Yes. He congratulated me and told me he enjoyed watching Spain play. He is very happy for us.

And with Schuster?
He's laughed with us. He is German, but I think he also feels a little Spanish, so he is happy for us too.

Is it hard to return to the team and answer so many questions about Real Madrid?
It actually isn't. I've been on holiday four weeks and I don't know anything about all the stuff people are talking about. I have heard about the possible signing of Cristiano Ronaldo because he makes every single front page, but I know nothing on the situation.

Regardless of who joins the team, the core is already there...
Yes, that's true. We had a good season last year and won the league. We didn't get Real Madrid as far as it deserves in Europe, so we know we have to take it a step further this year. It will be difficult to dominate in the league again this season, but we'll try. We will also work harder to reach the semifinals in the Champions League in order to have a greater chance of playing in the final. We've been losing in the quarterfinals for a long time now and we all think we should reach further.

Do you think you need some new players in order to be stronger in Europe?
I don't know. We'll see as the season unfolds. Every other team has made reinforcements during the summer and we've recovered players who were on loan last year.

Did it feel better to win the Euro with Spain than winning a Champions League?
I have to say it's a very different feeling. Winning a Euro with Spain isn't the same as winning a Champions League with Real Madrid. A Euro takes place every four years and a Champions League every season, and Spain hadn't won an international title in 44 years. The feeling was probably similar to the one felt by the Real Madrid players who won the Club's seventh European Cup. The Euro is one of the most important titles in my career.

What do you think of Cristiano Ronaldo?
As a football fan I believe he is a great player. He's proved it every season at Manchester United and everybody wants him to sign for Real Madrid. But there are great players all over the place: Ibrahimovic at Inter, Gerrard at Liverpool, Lampard at Chelsea... The're all very good, but Cristiano happens to be the talk of the town these days.

The secret to Real Madrid's success is the good vibes on the team, just like on the Spanish squad...
We all have to help out, and winning helps us too because we're all better, prettier and happier. But a true team truly sticks out in rough times. We had both very good and terrible moments last year and the team pulled through by uniting and using all of its weaponry. There was a time when this side had many great and famous players that didn't bring much to the team and we won no titles, but that's behind us now. We will welcome any player that comes to add something.

Rumour has it the Club may wish to sign David Villa. What do you think of that?
I know Villa well. He is a very good friend of mine and anything that's good for him makes me happy. But this matter has nothing to do with me nor the squad. We want to have a team that's strong in three competitions and the Club and the coach should work towards that.

You may be a contender for the Ballon d'Or...
A long time ago, I said I thought it is very hard to win the Ballon d'Or because everything is subjective. Several players deserved it in the past but never won, so I don't even think about it. All I'm interested in is doing a good job for Real Madrid and take the team to the very top, where it deserves to be.

What does it mean to the Spanish squad to have Vicente del Bosque as its new coach?
I don't know. He is a new coach whose methods are different to Aragonés'. This change could be good or bad at this time because it will be hard to achieve winning another title. The group will be the same and Vicente loves football. He will try to keep Spain at the top of the world ranking as long as he can and have the team do a good job in the Confederation Cup.

You were a staunch Aragonés supporter. Did you judge him to be in a weak position?
Our defence of Luis didn't necessarily have to mean his contract would be extended. It's the same as here; we could talk for hours on possible signings, but it's up to the coach and the Club to decide in the end. Aragonés reached an agreement with the FA and we couldn't say more about the whole matter. It's natural for someone to want a good atmosphere to continue. We had a great time in the Euro and the years prior to the competition.

How's Robinho doing?
He's not as chirpy as usual, but I don't see anything wrong with him. A Real Madrid player is always prune to be affected by news and rumours. I've known him for three years and he's a great player. We are all delighted with him. We welcome everyone who's willing to help the team. If not, they can stay home.

Have you noticed a slight 'Ikermania' after the Euro victory?
People remember you more when you win such a championship. I can only thank people for how well they've treated myself and the rest of the team.

Do you think the team needs Cristiano Ronaldo?
I don't know. I can only welcome those who want to help us. We will be happy with whomever subscribes to our unity and brings results. But all this doesn't concern me. It's up to the Club to decide.

Do you think fans may find the lack of signings strange?
It wouldn't be that far out. The team did well last year and faltered against Roma because it sustained injuries. Eight new players were signed last year, so the important thing now is to strive for unity and good results.

You needed to win only two titles: the King's Cup and one with Spain. You've already got the Euro...
But I want many more: the World Cup, the UEFA Cup... I am ambitious. The more I win, the more I want.

Is winning the King's Cup one of your goals?
Of course it is. The team hasn't won the title since 1993 and we have to prove it is an important title for us.