Realmadrid News

Casillas press conference:"Beckham is a great professional and a great person who has given his all to Real Madrid"

First things first, have you all spoken to Beckham?
Of course. He told us personally and it's a real shame. Those who know him know he is a great player and a great professional. He has given his heart and soul to Real Madrid. It's been an honour to play by his side because he is a magnificent person. We are all happy for him, but sad at the same time. He's an role model for everyone.

With Beckham leaving, is the Galactico era over?
With the departure of Figo, Zidane, David… many stereotypes will come to an end, but this Club is greater than any one player. Those of us still here want to do the best possible. All we can do is look towards the future.

The era of players who earn the most, the Millionaires Club is also coming to an end.
Whether someone earned more or less has nothing to do with it. I am saddened when a teammate leaves. Aside from earning a lot or a little, they were, and are, great teammates. I am proud that one day I will be able to say that I played with them. We aren't able to avoid what is said outside, but it's important that we stay strong internally.


David is leaving without having won a title.
This season isn't over yet. There are still six months left. We have lost two important matches, but we're not far off the lead. You can't make a big deal out of something that really isn't. People talk when we do well, but even more is said when we are going through a bad patch.

What did Beckham's arrival mean?
It was something unseen on a personal level due to all the buzz and news he stirred. There had been no one like him prior to his arrival that could get the media in such a frenzy. But what I'll remember is everything from an personal standpoint; everything that we shared as teammates. He's a great teammate and a great professional who has given his all to Real Madrid.

Is this the beginning of the revamping?
I'm not the one to decide when the 'cleansing process' begins. But I am sure that every player always gives his best effort. Then it's every man for himself. I know David has a lot of football left in his boots.

Is Ronaldo really needed on this Madrid?
I'm not getting involved in that. He is a great player. He has given, and will continue to give this Club some great moments. Nothing more needs to be said.


Is the team very affected by everything that is going on?
Nothing that is being said is good for a team that is hoping to end a three year drought, but this is Real Madrid. I'm not surprised. We want to win to make the fans, and ourselves, happy. The honour of Real Madrid is the most important thing.

Are Capello's days numbered?
No. The players will always support him. He likes to work hard, do things correctly, and is a natural winner. It may take us more or less time to learn things, but we will back him. His decisions are respected and appreciated inside the dressing room.

Are the players to blame for everything that is going on?
It's everyone's fault when things aren't going well. The team trains hard. We are coming off two bad matches. Our opponents performed better, but it's obvious this isn't that path we want to take. We have to improve in all aspects. I am satisfied with the team's work.

Should people have a defeatist outlook?
We're not doing that badly, so I don't understand why people have these defeatist attitudes. Barça held a ten point lead on us in season's past, and today they are only up by three. Being realistic, any Real Madrid loss in catastrophic.


You have to win against Zaragoza
It will be a complicated match. We understand that our fans want us to react. We just want the match to get here so we can get over our last two defeats. I have also been a supporter so I understand why they want the team to take the initiative from the get go. I am asking for their support and unity, now more than ever. They can rest assured that we will give it our best effort. This dressing room knows how to concentrate on the game despite all the outside commentary.

Does the Real Madrid dressing room reek of alcohol?
I can assure you that no player ever smells of alcohol. We're not affected by what the press says. We come to train and do the best we can. No one benefits from all the speculation. I repeat, I have never smelled alcohol on a player.

Are you bothered by Pedja's claim of drinking?
We're not bothered by anyone from the Club. I answer what I am asked, and I know what goes on. I can also tell you I have never heard Pedja say anything of that nature. It baffles me. The only alcohol I smell in the dressing room is antiseptic.

Report by Luis Navarro
Photos by Ángel Martínez
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 5:31 PM