madristar

All this Eva-Sara_iker nonsense is making me sick,plz this is about Iker and what he wants,not opinions of fans like us...its really irritating,uu girls wanna fight u can do on chat...thanks...

Xabi Alonso at COPE Xabi Alonso was on Cadena COPE’s “El Partido de las 12″ yesterday. They start off by listing all his accomplishments, which takes several minutes. And then Xabi gets to talk. I love hearing his voice. It’s just so smooth, no? It’s a nice change from video, because I usually get distracted by how he looks and forget to listen to what he’s saying. Anyway, here are the highlights from the chat (boring stuff first, then onto the more interesting sound bites): On the Sevilla game: there are players that can replace me. Lass had a great game and Khedira is playing very well. On the Barcelona game: it was completely unexpected. Barcelona was great and had a fantastic game, and we didn’t play well, we didn’t compete. It hurt a lot, especially the feeling that we didn’t compete. Now things are getting back to normal, we’re regaining our self esteem, and we know that there are a lot more games left and that we have to look ahead. On Mourinho: he has a very defined personality. We’re happy and comfortable with him. On the rumors about divided groups in the locker room: it’s an urban legend. Obviously, there are small groups that have more in common with each other, but the main group is united, with no conflicts. And asked specifically about Cristiano and goal celebrations, Xabi says, “when he scores, we all hug because we know it’s for the collective good.” part I really liked was when the presenters asked Xabi to choose between Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque. Xabi starts his answer with, “well both of them…” but they insist that he has to make a choice. So Xabi responds, “Joder, they’re both my coaches at the moment, I can’t.” So the presenters say, we won’t say anything, just smile if you support VDB, and now smile if you support Mou, and then we find out that Xabi smiled throughout. We also find out that Xabi speaks with Özil in English and Spanish and that Mesut understands him, and that Xabi weighs 80 kilos. The program described him as a “top” guest and then after half an hour of football talk, say they’re going to move on to Xabi Alonso the person, because they find that “fascinating.” A program after my own heart – indeed Xabi the person is much more fascinating. They describe him as “29 years old, a father of two, interested in fashion and cultural issues, and like a good Basque person, likes good food. They continue with the food theme, and Xabi reveals that they’ve always had the tradition of getting together and cooking in gastronomical societies, and that he likes all kinds of cuisines, including Japanese and other Asian cuisines. He doesn’t consider himself a fashion victim (he used those exact words, and I don’t think he has anything to worry about, because in his very own locker room there are several guys who would be considered before Xabi). They asked him why he moved from La Finca (in the suburbs) to the center of the city, and Xabi jokes it was because “the woman is in charge.” He explains that each person has their own way of being, and he has always lived in the center of the city, whether in Donosti or Liverpool or now in Madrid. Both he and his wife prefer living in the center, and they’re more comfortable and happy there. And as for what he likes about Madrid, Xabi says the life on the streets; the gastronomic offerings; the parks, especially the Retiro; the cultural offerings, especially the theater; and the fantastic weather. He elaborates, saying that he likes the change of seasons, comparing it to his brother, who lives in Tenerife where it’s summer all year round. And when asked about receiving the Tambor de Oro award from his beloved Donosti, he said that it made him very happy, and that he had played the drum in the celebrations many times as a child, and that it’s a special honor for those people from the city. The program ended with the little test that they make all the guests take (here are Iker’s responses. One of the presenters made fun of him by shouting out “Notting Hill” when Xabi was answering the question about his favorite movie). The little test that Xabi did: A city to live in: Donosti. A place to disconnect and forget everything: (thinks hard and makes a pffft noise) Mount Txindoqui (in Gipuzcoa). A mythical football stadium: Anfield. Favorite musical act: Nirvana and Andrés Calamaro. Favorite movie: Casablanca and The Shawshank Redemption. Favorite actress: Natalie Portman. A coach who changed your life: Toshack because I debuted with him [coincidentally, Iker gave the same answer.] An active footballer that you admire: Sami Hyypiä, because he’s one of the best teammates I’ve had. He’s a “10″ as a person and a footballer, and I learned a lot from him when I was a 22-year-old new arrival at Liverpool. You would give the Ballon d’Or to… Xavi Hernández. A non-football sports idol: Michael Jordan, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. A dream to achieve: I want to win a Liga, since I’ve been second with La Real, Liverpool and Madrid, and La Décima. In other Xabi news, he will be honored by his hometown of Tolosa on Dec. 26. There will be an act at the city hall (at 11h, if any of you are going to be near there later this month), which will be followed by the revealing of a plaque dedicated to Xabi at the Usabal sports center. He’ll also do the saque de honor for the Shanti Tournament at 12:15h. unamadridista

Alonso: No division in Real Madrid Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed claims that there is division in the dressing room. There have been speculation claiming club captain Iker Casillas along with Alonso do not see eye to eye with Cristiano Ronaldo. But the former Liverpool player has brushed the report off as nothing more than a rumour. "This is an urban legend. At Real Madrid, everything is always looked at under a microscope," the 29-year-old said in an interview with a radio broadcast for Cadena COPE. Madrid's season have been outstanding until their 5-0 thumping at the hands of Barcelona, which saw them relinquish top-spot to their title rivals. And Alonso went on to reiterate there are no rifts among the Madrid players and that the team will continue fighting for the title. He continued: "It is good to analyse games, this team has a very distinctive personality, and in the locker room I feel comfortable and happy. "Our performances have been similar this year to last year, apart from El Clasico. That result was completely unexpected, and it is up to the club and players to remain competitive." Madrid will play Sevilla on Sunday.

Real Madrid await next UCL rival Inter Milan, Roma, Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique Marseille, Arsenal and Kobenhavn are all possible opponents Realmadrid.com Real Madrid will learn the name of their next Champions League opponent on Friday at 12:00 CET, when the draw will be held at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. The Whites can face one of six possible teams including Inter Milan, Roma, Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique Marseille, Arsenal and Kobenhavn. INTER MILAN HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD VS INTER IN UCL P W D L GF GA 9 3 1 5 8 11 OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD VS LYON IN UCL P W D L GF GA 6 0 3 3 4 10 ROMA HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD VS ROMA IN UCL P W D L GF GA 8 4 1 3 15 9 ARSENAL HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD VS ARSENAL IN UCL P W D L GF GA 2 0 1 1 0 1 OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD VS MARSEILLE IN UCL P W D L GF GA 4 4 0 0 12 4 KOBENHAVN Real Madrid and Kobenhavn have never met in the European Cup/Champions League

Ancelotti to replace Mourinho at Real? Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has emerged as a shock candidate to replace a troubled Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid. According to an article from English broadsheet the Daily Mirror, reports have suggested that the "Special One" is finding it increasingly difficult to communicate and work with Real president Florentino Perez and director general Jorge Valdano in the aftermath of their humiliating 5-0 El Clasico thrashing by arch rivals Barcelona. Should things go pear-shaped for the Portuguese manager, Madrid will be eyeing developments at Chelsea where Ancelotti himself is under the cosh from Russian owner Roman Abramovich. The Blues oligarch will then turn his attentions to drafting in Barcelona chief Pep Guardiola- who is also on the shortlist at Manchester United- as Chelsea's new honcho at Stamford Bridge. Reports on Wednesday have also claimed that Chelsea's playing staff are concerned that their popular Italian manager will depart the club with an unnamed player quoted as saying: "The atmosphere isn't good at the moment. Everyone is convinced Carlo has had enough." Should the move do go through though, it could well epitomize as one of the biggest merry-go-round managerial appointments in recent times.

Casillas receives Golden Glove he Madridista was in Germany to pick up award recognizing him as best goalkeeper in 2010 World Cup Realmadrid.com Iker Casillas was in Germany on Tuesday to pick up the Golden Glove award, which is presented by FIFA to the best goalkeeper of the World Cup. "It is such an honor to receive this award. It makes me realize that my work hasn't gone unnotices. I fulfilled a lot of personal goals by winning the World Cup. It was something I dreamed about as a kid, and when I saw players like Dunga, Cafu, Zidane and Cannavaro raise the Cup I always thought it would be impossible. But we finally did it," said Casillas. The Madridista keeper allowed only two goals in the competition and notched five clean sheets in seven total matches. Diego Forlan was also presented with the Golden Ball award and Thomas Muller with the Golden Boot.

Several of the participants in the charity game organized by Iker and Figo on Dec. 23 have been revealed. Fernando Llorente has confirmed his attendance, even though it will cut into his vacation, and I’ve also heard that Sergio Busquets will be there as well (Puyol and Piqué were apparently invited as well, though they haven’t confirmed yet). And two illustrious ex-madridistas will play as well – Fernando Hierro (for Team Iker) and Guti! Sergio Ramos was also invited, although his sprained knee will most likely prevent him from suiting up. As mentioned earlier, Team Iker will be coached by VDB and Team Figo by Míchel. unamadridista

Iker and his agent met with representatives from the sporting company to talk about the two sides signing an endorsement deal. Iker has a contract with Reebok until 2013, but since Reebok is owned by adidas, there shouldn’t be any problems in that sense. In addition, Reebok has turned away from football and is focusing more on lifestyle and fitness. Iker was last endorsed by adidas about 10 years ago, when he was barely on Madrid’s first team.

tsk tsk....she has to get everyone in trouble..

by unamadridista This is from last night’s “El Larguero.” According to the radio program, there are problems between Iker and Cristiano Ronaldo. It all started back in September, when Sara Carbonero – Iker’s girlfriend – used the words “egoísta” and “individualista” to describe Cristiano Ronaldo. This upset Cris, and so he sent a text message to Iker expressing his sentiments. Iker responded back (also via message) that Sara’s a journalist and is free to say whatever she wants. Their relationship deteriorated from that point, and several days later, before Madrid’s game at home against Espanyol, FP took them both to an office, along with Jorge Valdano and Miguel Pardeza, played the video and tried to explain to Cris that Sara didn’t mean anything by the comment. However, Cristiano was still not placated. He was also upset because he didn’t feel supported by his teammates – whenever he got fouled, no one came to his defense, while over at Barcelona, every player would start yelling as soon as Messi got fouled. In addition, there was the matter of the goal celebrations. He felt alone, and the relationship with Iker was also deteriorating even more. The team was affected, because it was hard to be a piña when there are two heavyweights opposed to each other. Compounded to that was the recent possibility that Álvaro Arbeloa could usurp Sergio Ramos’ starting position, with the team fearing what Sergio’s reaction would be. Mou was reported to not want to get involved. After all this was said, the program spoke to Iker, who denied that there was a problem, and said that everyone’s relationships are good, and that any problem there was in the past has already been solved.

by unamadridista This is from last night’s “El Larguero.” According to the radio program, there are problems between Iker and Cristiano Ronaldo. It all started back in September, when Sara Carbonero – Iker’s girlfriend – used the words “egoísta” and “individualista” to describe Cristiano Ronaldo. This upset Cris, and so he sent a text message to Iker expressing his sentiments. Iker responded back (also via message) that Sara’s a journalist and is free to say whatever she wants. Their relationship deteriorated from that point, and several days later, before Madrid’s game at home against Espanyol, FP took them both to an office, along with Jorge Valdano and Miguel Pardeza, played the video and tried to explain to Cris that Sara didn’t mean anything by the comment. However, Cristiano was still not placated. He was also upset because he didn’t feel supported by his teammates – whenever he got fouled, no one came to his defense, while over at Barcelona, every player would start yelling as soon as Messi got fouled. In addition, there was the matter of the goal celebrations. He felt alone, and the relationship with Iker was also deteriorating even more. The team was affected, because it was hard to be a piña when there are two heavyweights opposed to each other. Compounded to that was the recent possibility that Álvaro Arbeloa could usurp Sergio Ramos’ starting position, with the team fearing what Sergio’s reaction would be. Mou was reported to not want to get involved. After all this was said, the program spoke to Iker, who denied that there was a problem, and said that everyone’s relationships are good, and that any problem there was in the past has already been solved.

by unamadridista This is from last night’s “El Larguero.” According to the radio program, there are problems between Iker and Cristiano Ronaldo. It all started back in September, when Sara Carbonero – Iker’s girlfriend – used the words “egoísta” and “individualista” to describe Cristiano Ronaldo. This upset Cris, and so he sent a text message to Iker expressing his sentiments. Iker responded back (also via message) that Sara’s a journalist and is free to say whatever she wants. Their relationship deteriorated from that point, and several days later, before Madrid’s game at home against Espanyol, FP took them both to an office, along with Jorge Valdano and Miguel Pardeza, played the video and tried to explain to Cris that Sara didn’t mean anything by the comment. However, Cristiano was still not placated. He was also upset because he didn’t feel supported by his teammates – whenever he got fouled, no one came to his defense, while over at Barcelona, every player would start yelling as soon as Messi got fouled. In addition, there was the matter of the goal celebrations. He felt alone, and the relationship with Iker was also deteriorating even more. The team was affected, because it was hard to be a piña when there are two heavyweights opposed to each other. Compounded to that was the recent possibility that Álvaro Arbeloa could usurp Sergio Ramos’ starting position, with the team fearing what Sergio’s reaction would be. Mou was reported to not want to get involved. After all this was said, the program spoke to Iker, who denied that there was a problem, and said that everyone’s relationships are good, and that any problem there was in the past has already been solved.

Caroline's thread is right here....all her pics and stuff is here,...http://www.bellazon.com/main/index.php?showtopic=32126

Mourinho won't get Tevez at Real? Jose Mourinho's request to buy Carlos Tevez could be rejected by Real Madrid, despite his pleadings. The Portuguese has made constant entreaties to the Real hierarchy to sign another striker, but has been ignored twice, despite the fact that Gonzalo Higuain's injuries leave the club with only one main striker in their first-team squad. According to reports in the Guardian, Mourinho's requests for Tevez were rejected both during the summer and recently, following the Argentine's recent breaking of ties with the Manchester City hierarchy. Real have told the manager that they do not have the cash to splash on the player, for either his transfer fees or his current wages, and have also told Mourinho that, following a spending spree of almost €80m (£68m), the Portuguese would have to make do with what he had in the squad. Mourinho has admitted that his side are on a tight rope, with only Karim Benzema as their established and fit striker. "We have to pray that Karim Benzema and Higuaín do not get injured," he said. There are also suspicions that he is not really a fan of either Benzema nor Higuain, saying: "A perfect centre forward would be a combination of Benzema and Higuain". However, what could pose a real stumbling block is the fact that the club's president is reportedly not a fan of buying players in January, and has insisted that both Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo can play as strikers if need be.

Ronaldo: The best goal of my career Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo believes that his strike against Zaragoza on Sunday was the best goal he has scored so far. The Portuguese midfielder struck his 17th league goal of the campaign when he let ripped a ferocious free kick after 44 minutes to give his side a 2-0 lead. Goals from Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria sealed three points for Jose Mourinho's troops against rock bottom Zaragoza, who responded via a Gabi's 54th-minute penalty. "My goal is a sign that the team is working hard," the 25-year-old is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website. "It was one of the best goals of my career. "We are playing well. I wouldn't have been able to score had my team-mates not provoked the foul. I am pleased. We want to extend this winning streak as long as we can." "That is when we started to play better. It wasn't an easy match. They started off strong, but [Mesut] Oezil's goal served us well and helped us take control." Real are just two points off Barcelona, who are showing no signs of slipping up after spanking Real Sociedad 5-0 at the weekend.

Alves: Ronaldo a little arrogant Dani Alves stoked up the rivalry with Real Madrid by describing Cristiano Ronaldo as "a little arrogant". He said: "I think the best player in the world should be a quiet kid, humble, friendly...and (Lionel) Messi has all that, while Cristiano often lacks these qualities. "To be the best player in the world you don't just have to play well, you also need to be liked by people, and I understand sometimes his attitude damages a little the great player he really is." Alves also said it would be stupid of him not to keep his options open as his contract with Barcelona enters its final 18 months. The all-action Brazilian is under contract at the Nou Camp until June 2012, but has been linked in the Spanish press with Manchester City. The 27-year-old told Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola: "My priority is Barcelona, but I cannot close doors. I feel happy, but both sides have to agree."

Barcelona finally cash in on sponsor Barcelona announced the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal in football history - worth 150 million euros. The Catalan giants have previously refused shirt deals and, for the past five years, have instead paid international children's charity Unicef to carry their logo. But the club's current sizeable debt means they are no longer in a position to turn down valuable income and their link-up with the Qatar Foundation, worth 30 million euros a year from next season through to 2016, could free up some funds for coach Pep Guardiola. Senior club executives said the deal was a "remarkable milestone because it represents a record level of revenue for a football club and has more value still in the current economic climate". The Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organisation which has projects focusing on education, scientific research and community development. It was founded by Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in 1995. Its involvement in Barcelona is another sign of Qatar's growing commitment to football and follows on from FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to the emirate. "With this agreement, Barca have become the undisputed brand leader in world football, far ahead of international rivals," said one of Barca's vice-presidents Javier Faus.

Have Barcelona sold their soul? Barcelona fans are conflicted after hearing about the Qatar Foundation's sponsorship deal with their club. The La Liga giants made history by accepting a €150m deal with the Middle Eastern foundation, as Barcelona have never had a shirt sponsor in their club's history. The Qatar Foundation's logo will replace Unicef's for the next five years, starting in 2011, and the deal will mean that Barcelona will pocket around €10m a season more than rivals Real Madrid, who are sponsored by online betting company Bwin. While the sponsorship will be officially presented by the club's president, Sandro Rosell, early next week, not have have been happy about the club caving in from their principles and associating themselves with the Qatar Foundation. Barcelona's vice-president Javier Faus has been hard at work to try to defend the board's recent actions. "It is not a commercial brand but a non-government organisation in a country that wants publicity through education and sport, and, as everybody knows, through organising the 2022 World Cup," said Faus, in quotes reported in the Daily Mail. Faus also admitted that talks were ongoing for some time, and that the Barcelona board were forced to break with tradition as a result of their debts. He said: "Barcelona needs the money to face up to our €420m debt." Critics have argued that the club's choice of sponser will help validate the Qatar's restrictions of individual freedom's. When asked about Qatar's ruling powers, Faus said: "It is an absolute monarchy but it is flexible and tolerant." Barcelona expect to receive $20m for the second half of the current season and $40m for each of the following five seasons, plus upward of $7m in bonuses for any titles won.

http://www.sevillapress.com/noticia/20572.html some pics

Guardiola: I admire my players Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his side after their 5-0 demolition of Real Sociedad on Sunday. The Catalan side have now won their last two home games by the same scoreline. This time Lionel Messi was again to the fore with a brace on the night while David Villa kept his goalscoring run going with another goal. Andres Iniesta and Bojan Krkic were the other goalscorers for Barca, who regained top-spot in the La Liga after Real Madrid leapfrogged them for two hours following their 3-1 win over Real Zaragoza. Speaking after the match, Guardiola insists it is a privilege to be the coach of the Barcelona and praised his team for their consistency. "The advantage I have over everyone else is that I get to see the team every day in training and how they are working. It is a privilege to work with them," Guardiola told Marca after the game. "This is the year that we're playing better than ever. Also we improve with the more time we have together. I admire these guys for the consistency they are showing." Guardiola's side take on local rivals Espanyol next Sunday.

Barcelona 5-0 Real Sociedad Lionel Messi struck twice as Barcelona cruised to an impressive 5-0 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp on Sunday. David Villa kept up his good scoring record against Real as he netted his seventh goal in nine games against the Basques with only eight minutes on the clock. Andres Iniesta made it two 13 minutes before the break, Messi struck at either end of the second half and substitute Bojan Krkic made it five at the death. Barca, who beat fierce rivals Real Madrid 5-0 in their last league match at the Nou Camp, effortlessly matched that result with an easy victory which keeps Pep Guardiola's side at the top of the Primera Division table after 15 rounds of matches. For the visit of Real, Guardiola decided to rest defender Gerard Pique, with full-back Eric Abidal switching to a central defensive role alongside captain Carles Puyol. But the duo were rarely troubled in a one-sided first half, which saw Barca open the scoring with their first meaningful attack. Lionel Messi's defence-splitting pass found Pedro in an advanced position on the right and the Tenerife-born winger squared with a low centre to give Villa a simple finish from three years at the far post. Pedro should have made it two in Barca's very next attack, but was just off target following a neat Dani Alves cross. The Catalans, with Javier Mascherano - handed a rare start ahead of Sergio Busquets in the holding role - flanked by Xavi and Iniesta in midfield, were looking efficient in their dominance and the latter made it 2-0 after 32 minutes. The midfielder finished off a wonderful team move by playing a lovely one-two with Pedro on the edge of the box and continuing his run to beat Real keeper Claudio Bravo with a low, angled finish at the near post. Messi came close to goal himself six minutes before the break, but did make the scoresheet as soon as the second half got underway. The Argentina winger played a one-two with Alves in the Real area and fired a low shot through Bravo's legs to make it 3-0 with almost half of the match still remaining. Guardiola rang the changes after that, with Bojan, Seydou Keita and Busquets replacing Xavi, Pedro and Mascherano. But Messi, as usual, was the main man and the 23-year-old struck the post after a superb run with 12 minutes left. And eight minutes later, he made it four. This time, Messi played a one-two with Bojan and waltzed past four Real defenders before sliding an angled shot past Bravo with his left foot. It was a trademark Messi goal and Real were surely longing for the final whistle at this stage. But there was more punishment to come for the Basques as Bojan made it 5-0 with a minute left after his initial effort had been saved by Bravo. With 15 rounds of the Primera Division now completed, there is no change at the top as Barca still lead Madrid by two points.

Messi: It's not as easy as it looks Barca forward Lionel Messi said the Catalan side are making things easier than they look after their 5-0 win over Real Sociedad. Barca have now won their last two Primera Division matches at home by that scoreline - having impressively dispatched fierce rivals Real Madrid here two weeks ago - and have dropped only five points in the league all season. The Catalans also recently thrashed Almeria 8-0 away from home and beat Osasuna 3-0 in Pamplona last weekend, despite undergoing a stressful journey to reach the game on time following an air controller's strike. "It looks easy, but it isn't," the Argentina forward told Canal+ after the game. "It was hard for us, especially in the first half, when they closed up at the back." Nevertheless, it took Barca just eight minutes to go ahead, with David Villa opening the scoring with a simple finish after Messi himself had freed Pedro on the right. Andres Iniesta added a second after 32 minutes to make it 2-0 at the break, before Messi added a second half brace to take his tally in the league to 17 in just 15 games. The 23-year-old also hit the post late on before substitute Bojan Krkic made it 5-0 a minute from time. "The truth is things are turning out well for us and we are playing at a great level," Messi said. Messi is in the running to win this year's Golden Ball, along with Barca team-mates Iniesta and Xavi, who have also made the final shortlist of three. "The important thing is that the three of us are there," Messi said. "It is great that three Barcelona players are there." Barca have now scored 26 goals and let in none in their last six matches - four in the Primera Division and two in the Champions League. And Barca coach Pep Guardiola says it is a privilege to be in charge of such an impressive team. "We have to be aware of what this team is achieving," he said after the match. "It is a privilege to be living this. I am sure we can get even better, but we can't get any more effort from the players - they all play for each other." Guardiola won a treble of Primera Division, Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first season in charge, before retaining the league last term. But the Barca boss believes the football his side are currently playing is the best since he has been in charge at the club. "This year is the best we have played," he said. "Also because the players have had more time together. "I admire these players because they are continually producing and I know that the crowd are going away saying: 'we've had a good time'." Barcelona still lead Madrid by two points in the title race, with Jose Mourinho's side earlier beating bottom side Zaragoza 3-1 at La Romareda.

Iker at Elle España by unamadridista Iker’s featured in Elle España’s December issue, and they made him look like an old-time movie star. I love the first picture, but not so much the others where his hair is slicked down. And once again, I have to say, he looks so much better when others dress him! He’s become an idol without losing his charm. The captain of Spain and the face of Philips’ new razor talks about the best year of his life. It’s said that tough guys don’t dance and don’t cry. But that’s a lie. They cry, and a lot, and they kiss their girl when they want to. A tough guy isn’t born like that, he becomes like that, “because there is no other way” Iker clears up, through glorious nights, from being capable of staying calm when the rest of the world is about to have a heart attack, from setting their jaw when things don’t go right and of giving the world their best smile when there’s something to celebrate. In May 2002, Real Madrid played in the final of the Champions League. It was the most important game in some time and their goalkeeper got injured. The back-up goalkeeper, who was 21 years old, had to come to the rescue, and in 15 minutes he made four heroic saves that we know now – we didn’t back then – only he was capable of. And he cried inconsolably because his mother hadn’t come to Glasgow to watch him. And it broke our hearts. The same occurred in this past World Cup, when he felt that this dream he had when he was playing on the patio of his school was about to come true and he fell to his knees, without even waiting for the game to end. Yes, tough guys cry and that’s when we like them even more, because if they don’t do that, we would never know how much it takes to be one of them. They’re always concentrating, always absorbing the pressure without anyone noticing. That’s what goalkeepers have to be like – they don’t run, they don’t go crazy and they don’t celebrate the goals with their teammates. They’re alone… “and you have a lot of time to screw up your head,” Iker confesses. Where was Casillas while everyone else was launching themselves on top of Iniesta? Alone, not hugging anyone and with no one to hug. You probably didn’t even realize he was on the other end of the field. “Well, after a bit Busquets came over and we celebrated together.” Generous and grateful, he says that life has been more than fair to him, and he smiles with infinite patience at those around him, especially two girls who have come to the session. Without the beard that we grew accustomed to, he appears like the kid he was when he started. He explains that his new look is due to Philips and their SensoTouch 3D razor. “I know that when I shave, I take years off. I’m not superstitious at all, but during the World Cup, I shaved after losing the first game to Switzerland. There are different opinions, and I’m not sure if I look better with it or without it,” he says while he looks for a can of soft drink. Does being a world champion make you into a different person? It’s surprising, but it doesn’t change you. All that we lived through, knowing that we achieved something so important, that we made so many people happy, is something that I’ll never forget. Although it doesn’t change you. We are all still the same, although we’ll always have this marvelous experience to look back on. What do you think you’ll remember about those days when you look back in 20 years? I hope that I won’t forget anything, and it’s a pity to think that some details will be forgotten. But I know that the grand feelings will always stay with me, like the arrival in Madrid. What we found there will be impossible to forget. Several months have passed by, and I still remember every instant, including what I was thinking when I was raising the Cup. Tell us the secret… When we won the Eurocopa two years ago, I thought about the bad luck that Spanish football had always had, and all the times in which we were eliminated. However, with the World Cup, I thought more about me, in all that I’ve lived through to get to this moment, the bad times, how I dreamed about this when I was eight years old. Lots of memories came into my head. For the majority of the people, dreams are just dreams. But yours came true. What’s next? How do you find new ones? It’s impossible not to have dreams, because you’ll always have at least one left to chase. I dreamed of winning the Eurocopa, and it came true, and after that, I had another, which was to win the World Cup, and that one also came true. Do you know what my next dream is? To win another Eurocopa, and after that, another World Cup. I will never get tired of dreaming. Who does Saint Iker pray to during difficult moments? I never pray. Destiny will put you in certain situations but in the end you’re the one that has to respond in that moment. Everything depends on you. Do you feel like you’ve lost a lot of things on the road to where you are now? People only see footballers wearing expensive watches, driving expensive cars and living in mansions. They don’t see all the effort that we make to get us to where we are. My parents earned 120,000 pesetas [the equivalent of €720] a month between them and they had to buy gloves, boots, pick me up and drop me off… Before I had a sports car, I went to the training sessions in my father’s Seat 124 and we lived in a house of 60 square meters. I’ve gotten here, but imagine how many didn’t make it. The majority of the kids who worked as hard as me and whose parents gave everything like mine didn’t make it as footballers. It’s said that goalkeepers are crazy, that they’re loners and unsociable… I’m not unsociable, everyone who knows me says I’m very affectionate. But I am very independent, I usually do my own thing and I’ve always been strong mentally. I don’t talk a lot, I listen a lot, I observe and after that I form my own opinion. I like to see how people breathe, not what they say or what they do, but how they breathe. It gives you a lot of information about people. Many kids don’t want to play inside the goal. How did you end up as one? Because my father didn’t want to play as goalkeeper either, so it ended up being me. But I had an advantage: in school, when we had to choose teams, I was always picked first, because that way there would be someone in goal. Does being the captain of the national team and Real Madrid make you feel like the older brother? Yes, I see myself a bit like that. When someone has something on their mind, it’s me that they tell it to, and if there’s a problem, it’s up to me to solve it. I’m like the thinking head of all 24 of them. I have to be more serious and responsible. Although I’m not bossy at all, sometimes on the field I have to raise my voice, but off the field I’ve never done that and I never will. Favorite moments My three favorite songs are “Stars” by Roxette, “Escapar” by Eva Amaral and Moby, and “La madre de José” from El Canto del Loco, because it has a lot of energy and it puts me in a good mood. I love movies that talk about the future and science fiction. I’ve always liked dreaming and imagining what’s out there, in space, if we’re alone… I get excited when mothers tell me that because of me they’ve given their sons my name. When I was young, I was the only Iker in Móstoles, and now there are a lot. My mother was the first. I’m addicted to my Blackberry [oh really?], although at times I would like to leave it behind and not pay so much attention to it for a while. My six moments of the World Cup are the first day of the training camp, when we all met. The game we lost to Switzerland, because it gave us the strength to continue. The night against Honduras, because we felt like contenders once more. The suffering against Paraguay…. what a night! And the final. And the best out of everything: the arrival in Madrid. Impressive.

Xabi Alonso: "We played a great game, but now we must thing about Sevilla. It's a shame I cannot participate, but we have plenty of players who can fill in for me." "I am very happy for Morata. Too bad he didn't score. We hope he plays with us again."

Cristiano Ronaldo: "My goal is a sign that the team is working hard. It was one of the best goals of my career. We are playing well. I wouldn't have been able to score had my teammates not provoked the foul. I am pleased. We want to extend this win streak as long as we can." "We were very relaxes at the start and Zaragoza came out motivated. Things got a lot easier once we scored. That is when we started to play better. It wasn't an easy match. They started off strong, but Ozil's goal served us well and helped us take control."