Real Madrid

Almeria's Negredo, Nieto, Corona and Julio Álvarez were bred in the Club's youth system and are having a successful run in the First Division. They are the best example of the excellence that comes out of Real Madrid's youth system. The four of them cherish memories from their Madridista spell, which they share with us here.

Their lives radically changed when they left the Club. Corona and Julio Álvarez played for several teams before joining Almeria, while Negredo and Nieto played together on Castilla and signed for the Andalusian club when they left the team. Negredo is currently having his second season at Almeria.

Álvarez: "Games against Real Madrid are always special. They motivate a player even more, especially when he used to play for the Club."

Negredo: "It's always an important and special game. Real Madrid are capable of destroying you at any given moment. We'll have to be alert and make as few mistakes as possible. We don't want them to feel comfortable."

Corona: "You always have a specialy feeling when playing against them. It makes those special memories come to the fore."

Nieto: "I was lucky to play for the best club in the world. I am very grateful to Real Madrid."

Negredo: "I have some unforgettable memories, but what I most remember is my last year at Castilla. I also remember being called up by the first team and the goals I scored in Israel. A football player never forgets such things."

Julio Álvarez: "The best memories of my youth are those from when I played for Real Madrid's youth system. I wanted to be a football player when I was a kid and I suddenly got the chance to play for Real Madrid and make my dreams come true. It was a big change in my life because I had to leave my family and friends behind. It was tough and I had to make a lot of sacrifices, but it was worth it. Real Madrid gives you the chance of working with the best professionals in the sport, who always try to help you and are very demanding."

Corona: "I have very fond memories. Those were extremely important years in my life. I spent my entire youth and teenage years at Real Madrid. I developed both as a player and as a person. I've been able to become a professional player thanks to those years."

Nieto: "I watch Castilla's games. I call my former teammates often and once in a while I visit them at Valdebebas. We nearly made the playoffs last year and I think they will manage to qualify this season."

Negredo: "I grew up both as a person and as a player at the Club. I became a better and more tactical player. The important thing is to learn how to position yourself well. That's essential for a striker."

Julio Álvarez: "Real Madrid teaches you how to be a winner. Winning is all that matters. It doesn't matter if the game you play is a final or a friendly. Real Madrid is a very competitive club and winning is a must when you wear its shirt. You have to focus on each game as if it were your last. That's what makes Real Madrid one of the best clubs in the world, if not the best."

Corona: "Real Madrid instills values that end up being useful in your career. You get used to the high level of competitiveness and to think of every game as being important. I don't want to be disrespectful to other teams, but nothing compares to Real Madrid. Its crest represents worldwide values. Real Madrid's excellence is unparalelled."

Nieto: "Real Madrid taught me to be strong. I spent nine years at the Club and learned that nobody gives you anything for free. You have to give your all every day because the best young talent in Spain enters the Club every year. Real Madrid are the best team in the world. Everybody watches their games."