Realmadrid News

Higuaín is now "one of us": Pipita presented as the newest Real Madrid player

It's official. Gonzalo Higuaín was presented this afternoon as a Real Madrid player until 2013. The act took place in an adjoining conference room to the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and was presided by Ramón Calderón and President of Honour Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Shortly after 5 pm CET, in an adjoining conference room to the Presidential Balcony, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ramón Calderón, and Gonzalo Higuaín, appeared before the press for the Argentianian footballer's official as a new Real Madrid player. After landing in Madrid early on Wednesday, having the required checkup, and attending last night's League match against Recreativo Huelva, all that was left was to finalise the process. The contract signing took place minutes prior the clock striking 5 pm, which was followed by Higuaín's official presentation.

RAMÓN CALDERÓN: "MANY WANTED HIM"

The brief presentation began with a short speech by President Ramón calderón, who thanked Higuaín for finally choosing Real Madrid after receiving so many different offers from other teams. "Real Madrid, as we promised, is working on a project of the future. The Club has just incorporated the newest member to its family, one of the most valued players in international football. Eleven days ago, on 10 December, he turned 19. He was born in Brest, France, but has lived in Argentina his whole life. His father and brother passed on their passion for the sport, which is why he is now recognised around the world. Many clubs wanted him, but he decided to come here, where we received him with open arms."

"He made his First Division debut three seasons ago and played three matches. He played 14 matches the following season and scored five goals. This season, he played 18 games with a total of eight goals. In the 'Clasico' against Boca, he scored a brace that no one will ever forget. He was named ‘Sports Revelation of the Year’ by an Argentine newspaper thanks to his sporting and human values because, despite his success, he remains humble. Gonzalo, thank you for being here. I wish you all the luck in the world on this new adventure."

HIGUAÍN: "ON TO SUCCESS"
The next to take the floor was Gonzalo Higuaín. In spite of his young age and the growing mass of journalists waiting for him to speak, Pipita wasn't rattled by his nerves. He even addressed the President by his first name. "First, I would like to thank Ramón and everyone else who made this transfer possible," he said.

Gonzalo kept his words short. He promised work and more work, which tends to be the case in these types of situations. "I want to earn everyone's respect by working hard. Nothing else. I'll do what I know best. Thank you very much. On to success!"

SHIRT... WITH NO NUMBER

The act came to a close with what has become standard presentation protocol over the last several years. President of Honour, Alfredo Di Stéfano presented Higuaín with his shirt; immaculate white with his name included, but no number. Ramón Calderón joined in for the photo, which marked the end of the presentation. The newest Madridista then headed to the dressing room to don his new kit before making his way to the Bernabéu pitch where hundreds of fans waited.




Report by Santiago Siguero
Photos by Ángel Martínez and Daniel Sastre
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 2:48 PM