Cannavaro is still enjoying having won the Golden Ball, which he keeps at home, and is now nominated for the FIFA Word Player 2006 Award, as well as Zidane and Ronaldinho. "This is all an incredible dream," said the defender, who once again showed his warm personality and gentlemanliness during a press conference. "A defender is decisive for defending the goal," he said. "He is as valuable as an attacker. Team's win thanks to defenders doing their job well."
Where's the Golden Ball?
At home. It's very heavy.
How did you deal with the all criticism surrounding your award?
I didn't really care because I'm aware that people's memory spans are very short. I won two titles at Juventus, and everyone said I was the best defender in the world when I won the World Cup. Now, the same people are saying that a defender shouldn't win the Golden Ball.
You have been nominated for the FIFA World Player Award with Zidane and Ronaldinho.
This is all a dream for me. I never thought I would be considered for the Golden Ball; it's so hard for defenders to win it. It's incredible that I'm now nominated for FIFA World Player.
Twenty of the journalists on the voting panel for the Golden Ball voted for you.
Many people think it's a coincidence. I haven't played as well as in the World Cup since I arrived in Spain. I'm very happy for having won the award because any type of player can win it now. Before, it was only given to very technical players.
What do you think of the criticism made by Sacchi, Doménech…
Houllier said it was a barbarity that I won. I respect his opinion, but at the end of the day, the award is in my home. I only have to thank France Football.
What have your teammates said to you?
They're all very happy because they know it is very difficult to win it. Many people have congratulated me from Italy. The most special support for me is my wife's because she knows exactly how much I've sacrificed myself during my whole life.
Do you think defenders are the underdogs of football?
Not any more. It's good that I won the Golden Ball. Other great defenders have never won it. A defender is decisive for defending the goal. He is as valuable as an attacker. Team's win thanks to defenders doing their job well.
Do you agree with Casillas' view according to which there should be a Golden Ball awarded to every type of player?
We all play football and we all create spectacle. Excitement should always prevail.
A good diet, good food and little sex.
(Laughs). Not a little sex! An athlete has to control all aspects of his life and never overdo anything he does.
Do you think FIFA World Player is a more special award?
It's different. The Golden Ball is chosen by 50 journalists, and the FIFA World Player is chosen by coaches and team captains. Thanks to my run in Juventus and the World Cup people have considered me for the award, but I don't think it is necessary for me to win it. Right now I'm Real Madrid and I'm focusing on continuing with my winning streak here.
Do you think Hierro should have won the Golden Ball?
Hierro and Sanchís were incredible players. They won many titles. Roberto Carlos has also achieved great things, but attackers always won the award. The World Cup this year was won by a team, not an individual attacking player.
Why haven't you been playing as well as in the World Cup?
Well, I think it is normal. When a player moves to a different team and a different town everything changes. It's always hard to go back to the high level showcased during a World Cup.
Which young players do you see as being your future successors?
I'm a traditional defender. I like Puyol very much. He has a lot of quality, like I have. Sergio Ramos is also very good. Roberto Carlos has won everything there is to be won, but to win the Golden Ball you have to be lucky in the same year and win a World Cup, a League...
Do you think people were disrespectful with you with their criticism?
No. I played very well in the World Cup, but my level has gone down after that, so it is normal people are critical. I've played very well in many games, but didn't against Olympique Lyonnais. The League is long, and we're still in the Champions League, so I'm not worried. I'm always thinking about working hard.
t is rumoured that Cassano might be sold in winter.
I hope he isn't. He is young and can help this team a lot. There are very few players with Cassano's quality. He isn't happy because he doesn't play. I've told him he should calm down and be patient because the League is very long.
What did you think of Puskas?
Puskas was a living legend. Every football player knows that Puskas and Di Stéfano are a very important part in Real Madrid's history.
