Real Madrid

The Club offered you to wear Zidane’s number ‘5’ shirt, why did you decide not to take it?

It didn’t have anything to do with Zidane. That number is destined for a defensive player in countries like Brazil and Argentina. That’s why I decided to pick number ‘8’, which is also the number I wore when I first started playing for Sao Paulo.

Zidane was celebrated for his elegance both on and off the pitch and you will be compared to him. Is it a big responsibility?

Zidane is a football legend, both in France and at Real Madrid. He is in a league of his own because he made history throughout his career and I still haven’t achieved that. It doesn’t bother me if they compare the two of us. I find it normal. It’s not the first time; it has happened to me everywhere I’ve been. Now that I play for Real Madrid, I hope to use him as a role model so that I can make as much history as he did at the Bernabeu. For me, that will be paramount.

Zizou became a bigger legend playing for Real Madrid. You’ve already won many things too, but your actions here will have much more significant repercussions...

It will all depend on what we achieve on the pitch. If Real Madrid wins, it would mean a big leap forward in my career. This Club is very big worldwide. I hope to conquer many trophies because I will benefit from it on a personal level.

When will you make your debut?

I believe it will be in Toronto, on 7 August. I’ve just returned from my holidays and that’s where it will happen according to my schedule.

Madridismo is anxious to see you on the pitch...

We’re in the middle of the preseason and we have to take one step at a time. We’re playing better each time and the team will improve when all of us get to perform. It’s normal because we’re in the preseason.

Do you remember meeting Florentino in 2002?

I remember it very well. Real Madrid was the doorway to Europe for me at that time. After playing the 2002 World Cup I received an invitation to participate in the Club’s centenary events. On my arrival, Florentino greeted me and since then we’ve had an excellent relationship. We’ve met in restaurants and matches during all this time.

What do you expect of your first year as a Madridista?

I wish to win trophies. The most important of them is the Champions League and we are especially motivated because the final will be held at the Bernabeu. Everyone involved in football knows how difficult it will be to get there, but I truly wish it will happen. And I also would like to win La Liga, of course.

Ronaldo’s arrival in 2001 was highly anticipated. Have you talked to him these days?

Yes, of course I’ve talked to Ronaldo, and also to other former Real Madrid players such as Roberto Carlos, Robinho, Beckham or Baptista.

And what did they tell you?

They all speak good things about Real Madrid. They say it’s different to any other club. Ronaldo has been like a father to me since I first played with the national team in 2002. During the World Cup I was like his son, he always took care of me. He is very dear to me and he helped me take the decision of signing for this Club.

Will you invite him to your debut at the Bernabeu?

He is currently injured, and since he can’t play, it would be great to have him there. I’ll see what I can do.

What would you have liked to be instead of a footballer?

A civil engineer, just like my father.

Give us a quick definition of Raul.

He embodies Real Madrid. He is a symbol.

And what about Cristiano Ronaldo?

He is a great player, very young and with a promising career ahead of him.

And Karim Benzema?

He is talented and young. A great forward.

What do you think of Guti?

He’s very intelligent!

That’s what Ronaldo used to say.

He truly is. He is a quality player.

What’s your opinion on Casillas?

He is helping me the most. We’re training together because we have both just arrived. It was him who took me to the stadium for the two Peace Cup games.