Real Madrid

What where your thoughts when Florentino Perez suggested to you his project involving Kaka and Ronaldo?

I thought it normal being who he is. The team needed big stars and having two is better than one.

Do you consider the squad to be rebuilt with the signings of Kaka and Albiol?

There’s been a boost in quality, self-esteem and excitement. We have already made six signings. The coach will have much work to do because the effort we’ve made has to pay off and must make sense on a collective level.

The expectation you’ve generated forces the project to be successful.

This is a club which never gives up, and that’s the reason why we’ve entered the transfer window with such determination. The expectations are high. They will force us to cope with pressure on a daily basis. We must be patient and brave to face the storm that lies ahead. At the Club we take it as normal, but neither the recent signings nor the expectancy of the fans are so.

Do you think the players who remain will know how to take on a new role?

Each one of them will have to find out his role. The new players are very good and will be in the spotlight. Others will be able to help us considerably.

There’s much talk about Guti and Raul.

They won’t be giving any trouble. They are intelligent, Madridistas and will help the team.

It’s difficult to take one step back.

Of course it is. You don’t become a footballer just for the perks that come with the job.