Real Madrid

Welcome back Rudy. You return to Real Madrid a few months after you left…

That’s right. I’m back to stay three years and I’m happy to return to this club.

Why did you make this decision?

There were many rumours about it and I’ve had other offers, but I felt most appreciated by Real Madrid. The entire coaching staff, the Board and the President actively pursued this decision and I also wanted to be here. Their insistence, how they value me and the chance of becoming an important player on the team and to win titles, like Real Madrid has always done, prompted my decision.

You connected well with your teammates last year, as well as with the coaching staff and the crowd.

I felt very comfortable because of that, how the club functions and Pablo Laso’s system. That’s why I decided to return and to focus on the Endesa League.

You return as a pillar of the team.

The past has allowed me to grow as a player and I’ve always felt that pressure due to being a leading player on every team I’ve been a part of. It’s extra pressure that helps a player grow. The most important thing is to have teammates who support you, and I have. The extra thing I bring to them is that I am a winner and that I’m experienced in these championships. I know this league and the role I will play at Real Madrid. I will continue to work and improve to help the team grow.

What are your objectives this season?

I’m going to win title because that’s what I want. That’s why I returned to Europe. It helps a player grow. There will be both good and bad moments in the next three years.

The Euroleague title is one of the team’s objectives.

It’s the most important trophy, with all due to respect to the Endesa League. The Euroleague influenced my decision. Every player would like to win it someday. I’m lucky enough now to play for an historic and leading club. We can win this year.