Real Madrid

You have scored several goals despite being a defender.

Not many. I have been fortunate to score at least one goal each season.

Do you remember your first?

My first goal was with Getafe against Real Madrid. It was my first in Primera Division, where I had spent very little time playing. It was a very important goal for being my first.

Did you ever imagine you would play for Real Madrid?

Never. A lot can happen in football with the passing of time. Now it’s time for me to defend the Real Madrid shirt.

What do you hope to accomplish with your new team?

Playing for such a great club implies competing for every title. I want to take it slow and work hard. I am looking forward to having a good season. That’s the goal; to have a great season.

Madridismo is very excited thanks to the arrival of new players.

There is always a lot of excitement when Real Madrid sign great players. We are all looking forward to the start of the season and hope that fans enjoy watching us play. It is good that there is so much demanded of us. We have to work hard, be humble and make sure there is unity.

Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Albiol...

The first three are world super stars and it is a pleasure to have them as teammates. I am here to contribute all that I can. I am looking forward to meeting and spending time my new teammates. It is like your first day of school.

You are already familiar with Madrid thanks to your stint with Getafe.

I am. They were a great few months. I know the city and being Spanish should make adjusting easy.

You had a terrible car accident the first time round.

It was a tough time for me. I was about to join Getafe, my first team in Primera Division, and I was 19. We had a friendly against Real Madrid in Alicante coming up and I had my mind set on the game. Then I had the accident. It made me mature and have to deal with a very difficult experience. Thank God everything ended up okay and that I was able to return to every day life and football. I learned that you have to enjoy each day as it comes. You realize that what appears important really isn’t. You appreciate what matters when you no longer take walking or the ability to eat for granted.

Have you thought about what your first match might be like?

I have been thinking about a lot of things, but mostly about my debut. I will do my best during all the years that I am here.

Is there anything you would like to say to fans?

I want to thank them for the welcome I have been given and the kindness they have shown. I will push myself to the limit and do everything in my willpower for this team. I want people to enjoy watching Real Madrid.