Carreras: "I'm opening a huge door, this is the club of my dreams"
"I'm really looking forward to starting now, to face a season that is going to be brilliant for everyone and with some incredible challenges ahead of us," he said in his first press conference as a Madrid player.
Álvaro Carreras appeared before the media in the press room at Real Madrid City after being presented as a new Real Madrid player. The player, who was accompanied by the club's Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño, said: "Returning to Real Madrid means everything. To return to what was my home for three years, and where I had incredible experiences. I'm living a dream, I'm really looking forward to this challenge, and I can't wait to get started."
Waiting time
"The wait has been long. In football, there is always a lot of talk. I was focused on my former team; we had the challenge of the World Cup, which didn't go as expected. Now a new stage begins, I close one door to open another giant one. I'm really looking forward to starting now, to face a season that is going to be brilliant for everyone and with some incredible challenges ahead."
Have you spoken to Xabi Alonso about your position?
"I've had the opportunity to speak to him. He has congratulated me and wished me the best of luck. It's the club of my dreams, and I'll be wherever I have to play, and I'll give everything for this shirt."
Playing in the Club World Cup with Benfica
"I was completely focused on Benfica. It was a project that we had prepared well. We didn't have the end of the season that we would have liked, but that's how it was. I have incredible respect for them. Until everything became official, I didn't know anything. I'm happy to be here now."
Second most expensive defender in club history
"I don't focus on that. I'm completely sure of what I can give. I don't get into numbers. Football nowadays moves all that. But I'm at peace with myself."
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Reactions from people close to him
"All my friends support the best club in the world, Real Madrid, so they couldn't believe it. It's crazy, but I'm completely focused on proving everything to keep winning titles and keep making history."
Did you ever think that the signing wouldn't happen?
"When I arrived at Benfica, I signed for several years. I was calm there, I had to respect them because it's the club that gave me everything, and I'm eternally grateful to them. They gave me the opportunity there, but in the end I had to do my job in my own way, and in the end it all worked out."
His mother's reaction when she found out about the transfer
"It's difficult, until the last moment I didn't believe it. I've always dreamed of being here. I had to make the decision to leave as a boy, but I'm coming back as a man. I'm ready to give everything for this shirt. Mum gets emotional, but that's normal, it makes me emotional too."
His time at Benfica
"I'm eternally grateful; they gave me the opportunity. All my teammates, the fans, and the supporters were very good to me; I have no complaints. I have left many good friends, but life goes on; you have to make decisions. Today is the happiest day of my life. I'm completely focused and ready here."
What can he bring to the team?
"It's difficult to describe yourself. I feel like a player who likes to have the ball. Physically, I like to go forward, but I also help out at the back because that's my job. But above all, it's about supporting and giving my all every day I wear this shirt."
The legacy of Marcelo and Roberto Carlos
"I could say that they were both my inspiration for many years. I was here for three years, and I was able to watch Marcelo live, which was a luxury. I've been here before with Roberto Carlos, and it was great. They're both big references for me."
The chat with Di Maria
"Angelito, I don't have enough words for him. He's been a great teammate. On and off the pitch, he has respected me and supported me a lot from day one. I'm eternally grateful to him too, and I wish him the best of luck in his new phase, which is going to go very well for him there."
The Champions League match against Barcelona
"I believe that the work of a season cannot be based on just one match. It's true that in the Champions League games I was at a very good level, but I think I was at a very good level all season, and I promise you that I will be at a high level for the team of my dreams."
Competition on the left flank
"They are two players with a very high level. I'm here to work, to help the team, to do whatever it takes, but above all to continue to make history and win titles."
Why the number 18?
"To tell you the truth, I'd wear any number to play for this club."
His differential factor on the wing
"I think there will be time to talk about that later. Today is the most beautiful day of my life. Even so, they are two incredible players; we come to compete, we know what football is like, but we know that we're both excellent players."