AS: “Now, part of my heart is in Madrid”
Congratulations, for the World Cup and for signing with Real Madrid.
Thank you very much. I am very happy, as is my family. It's been a thrilling yet tough year. And my transfer to Real Madrid fills me with pride.
When do you expect to go to Madrid?
If there are no changes or setbacks, I should be there on Tuesday.
Are you impatient?
No, I'm calm. Real Madrid is one of the world's leading clubs. It's a marvelous destination.
And you will team up with Capello again.
Fabio is a master, a winner.
You have already worked with him. What are your thoughts?
He's a demanding but fair coach. We know each other very, very well. He knows he can count on me any time.
What are your expectations of this new adventure at Real?
Well, I don't want to get into it to deeply now. I'm on vacation and I want to take advantage of these days. Additionally, not everything has been signed. I would like the fans to understand this.
But we can ascertain that you are a happy man.
Very happy. This last month has been magical in every aspect. A dream come true.
What do you feel after winning your first World Cup and signing for Real Madrid at 32?
It has been the most intense month of my entire life; like a dream that I could never have imagined. I'm the happiest man in the world. I'm just sorry for what happened to Juventus. But part of my heart will be in Turin, like before with Parma or Inter Milan. Now, part of my heart also lies in Madrid.
Could you have imagined this situation a few months ago?
Not in a million years. I never could have imagined that in less than a month I was going to lift the World Cup and sign for Real Madrid. But that's what's happened and here I am. What else could I ask for?
Do you know Madrid? What do you think of it?
It's a great city. I've been there more than once with my wife and my family, but incognito. I loved the atmosphere and the people. They remind me a lot of the Italians.
You have already played at the Bernabéu. What feelings do you have regarding the stadium?
Playing at the Bernabéu is like going to the Scala of Milan. It's the great theatre of football, so I hope to be deserving of the honour of playing for this great club. Plus, I like the Spanish tifossi. I think they're very respectful with the other teams. Fans there like good football and players that put in the effort and work hard. And those are precisely my qualities.
What sporting objectives do you have in mind?
All. This will almost surely be the last contract of my career. But I still have lots of things left to win. The Calcio teaches you ever since you're a little kid that you have to play to win.
So, you don't like losing.
No. I have a very bad time when I lose.
As Skipper of the Italian side than won the World Cup, will you come impregnated with the winning mentality and spirit of the Azzurra
All the players who have won the World Cup are bearers of this winning mentality. I hope to be able to transmit that to and within Real Madrid, although I know it is the best Club in the world, so they already have that spirit.
You will team up with other World champions in the squad...
Yes, that's part of the greatness of Real Madrid.
What do you think about pairing up in defense with Sergio Ramos?
I am also going to play with Roberto Carlos, Salgado, Cicinho... They are all great players. All I want to do is work hard and prove that I am a serious and effortful player that plays the sport with humility. This is a new episode for me after winning the World Cup and I aim to win every cup I contend for.
And you will have Casillas on goal.
Well, I've been lucky to play with Buffon for two years. They're the two best goalkeepers in the world. That is why we can feel safe having Casillas on goal. Although it is even better if Casillas feels calm and safe having us as defenders.
What player made you work harder during the World Cup?
I have a habit of not focusing my work on a specific player. I'm more of a team player. Many teams were very tough to beat, but I will not highlight one specific attacker. Additionally, Italy's triumph was based on teamwork, not on individualities.
Your teammates are showing signs of fatigue in Austria...
Yes, the beginning of the pre-season is especially tough, and even more so with Capello. He likes to work very hard from the outset, but all this effort will be beneficial halfway through the season and the most benefitted party is the team.
Have you had time to rest?
I'm starting to do so now. After the World Cup, we had the big celebration in Rome. Then I traveled to my hometown, Naples. And from there, I took off to Capri, Taormina... until I got to Greece by boat, sailing. I love the sea.
How do you think the squad will receive you?
Fairly well. I know quite a few of the players. Plus, they're all champions, whether it's European, World, or League... The potential of the team, on paper, is unlimited, although we have to win the games and get the desired results.
Oh, so you do know a few players...?
Yes, almost all of them. I have played against Raúl, Ronaldo, Casillas. I always thought they were marvelous players.
MARCA: “I want to help Real Madrid to be even greater”
What are your thoughts and feelings after signing for Real Madrid?
I am very happy and proud to play for such a great team, a champion such as Real Madrid. I have always played in Italy and now I wil be leaving my country to live a new experience. You can only leave your country to play for Real Madrid. When they told me they wanted to sign me, I had no second thoughts. I also want to get to know Spain and its League, which is one of the best in the world.
Are you aware that Real Madrid has won nothing over the last three years?
I know. I hope to win something this season. I don't quite understand how such a great team as Real Madrid has gone for so long without winning any titles. They're the best, the greatest, and they will get back to their winning ways. I signed to win and to help Real Madrid be even greater.
Are you anxious to play at the Santiago Bernabéu?
Yes, very. I already played there with Juventus and I realised what a fantastic stadium it is, a place where any playwer is more concentrated and stimulated than in any other pitch. I have played in great stadiums, like Delle Alpi, but the Bernabéu has something that makes it different. It will be a pleasure to play in a stadium such as the Bernabéu, with the fans cheering us on and helping us to win games and titles.
What do you like most about Real Madrid?
It's a winning club. They have to win every game. Every single training will be demanding and every day is important. For a player who wants to make it big and be a winner, it's very stimulating to feel the pressure of defending the colours and the interests of Real Madrid. We have to be prepared and well trained, because winning won't be easy. I am thrilled and very motivated.
Is Fabio Capello a title-winning guarantee?
Yes, of course. I know him well. He's the kind of coach that always wants to win. I have been lucky to work with him at Juventus and I can positively say he's very good. He's a very demanding manager, but he always looks to win. He has experience and a lot of knowledge to make a winning team. We can feel safe with him, but we also have to work hard, because nothing comes easy.
Do you dream of playing next to Ronaldo and Raúl?
It fills me with pride to have this sort of teammates. I played against them and I can safely say that they are very dangerous. Now, they will be my teammates and I won't have to deal with them. It's a pleasure to have a captain such as Raúl. I can add very little about Ronaldo because everybody knows how good he is.
How about Cassano?
Another top player. I met him playing for the Italian team and I can assert he's a great player. Cassano has a lot of talent, so he will surely help us out a lot. We need him.
Are you afraid to have a team that won the League and the Champions League as your number one opponent?
No. Barcelona are a very strong side, but I'm not afraid of them. Surely Real Madrid is no less than Barcelona.
What title would you like to win?
All of them. I think that Real Madrid has to win everything they play for. I'm a winner and I am joining a winning team. But winning will entail hard work.
You haven't won the Champions League. Is that your most coveted title?
Of course. The Champions League is very important for both me and Real Madrid. I will work hard to win it. If I signed for Real Madrid it's because I think this is the team to win it.
Do you consider yourself the best centre back in the world?
No. It's not for me to say. I am overjoyed because Italy won a World Cup and that's wonderful. Now, I am going to sign with Real Madrid, so I'm a happy man. I want to get back to playing soon.
