Real Madrid

Iker Casillas addressed the media at a promotional event in the Hotel Silken Puerta América. The keeper spoke of the objectives that the team must fulfill: “We want to start to regain the identity we had last year, when we dominated the Liga from start to finish. What we need to do is stop losing points and think about achieving victories so that the fans are happy. Having won the Spanish Super Cup we've settled a kind of unfinished business, but we can't live off winning that title”.

The Real Madrid captain attended the event in order to hand a 50,000 euro cheque to the NGO Street Football World, who promote sport among disadvantaged children. Afterwards, he appeared before the media in a press conference. With regards to how he had perceived Cristiano Ronaldo, he said: “I don't think anything has come up with Cristiano. Each of us have been preparing our matches with our national teams. As a Real Madrid supporter it's a pleasure for me to see Cristiano play in our stadium and for Cristiano it's a luxury to wear our colours, given that as things stand today it's the best team in the world. So the partnership couldn't be better”.

Asked about what it was like meeting back up with the teammates after the international fixtures, Casillas said that: “There was no meeting in the changing room because I don't believe there was any need for one”. We were fine, we congratulated each other on the international matches and the atmosphere was fantastic. I agree with what's been said these past days, that the public enjoy Cristiano's presence, Cristiano enjoys himself at this club and together the squad wins points for Real Madrid”.

Casillas stressed that what's important right now is to continue competing well and to win titles: “Beyond all that's being said, what's import to us is to arrive in Sevilla on Saturday, which is the most difficult part, and then we'll think about what might happen in the other matches. Right now we have to concern ourselves with winning on Saturday because any hiccups would be a setback in our aim to win La Liga”.

The captain also spoke of how the new players have been received, focussing on the case of Modric: “We gave him a warm welcome right from the start. It's a really big change for a player because Madrid is nothing like London. He's going to acclimatise quickly because he has some great qualities”.

With regards to the Golden Ball he said: “Today there are Real Madrid players that deserve it and if you look at the requisites for the Golden Ball many Real Madrid players fulfill them. After that it comes down to each journalist or manager who votes, but in terms of merit there are many Real Madrid players who have won titles this year including Cristiano, who's played at a very high level”.

The Whites' keeper ended his appearance explaining his feelings upon winning the Prince of Asturias Award with Xavi: “It's something special. On a personal level it's career recognition, but beyond the award or the friendship that people have commented on, there are players with very long careers and a considerable string of titles in their possession”.