Fabio Cannavaro opens up on 'El Larguero' after receiving the Golden Ball
The Italian defender stopped by Spanish radio's Cadena Ser to reflect on the day he was proclaimed Best Player of 2006. Cannavaro described the moment as “a dream come true,” he defended his nomination with his great year with Juventus and the World Cup title with Italy, and when asked what Spaniard he would give the Golden Ball, the Italian centre back answered his Real Madrid teammate Raúl.
Tired?
A little, but very happy.
How do you feel? On Sunday you asked to be substituted at the half.
Yes, my muscle was hurting. I spoke to the doctor and he told me it might be best if I watched the rest of the game from the bench.
Is today everything you expected?
Absolutely. It's a dream come true.
What did your kids say to you?
That this is incredible. They are very happy for me because it it is very hard for a defender to win the Golden Ball. Great players always win it, but it's never a defender.
It looks like they had their eyes on the back line this year because the Silver Ball went to a goalkeeper.
This year perhaps because I finished first and Buffon second. I think a lot of it has to do with the two of us winning the Word Cup.
Some say Cannavaro doesn't deserve the Golden Ball.
I had a great year last year with Juve, and that's why I am here playing for Madrid. I also won a World Cup.
Would it have been a harder choice had they only considered the present and not the entire year?
It would be different because I am playing for another team now. And although I have had some good matches, I have also had some bad ones.
Who would you have given the Golden Ball to?
To Buffon, because he's an incredible player and a difference-maker.
And if you could give it to a Spanish player?
Raúl. Mostly because of his professionalism and human touch.
Did you every think that one day you would be holding the Golden Ball?
Never. I had thought a lot about winning the World Cup, but never a Golden Ball.
