Training today...

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Guti, Michel, Iker & Raul...

Thanks Chic_Raul_ista

"Th¡ngs have gone back to normal"

Real Madrid's captain, Raúl González, talked to Spanish news agency EFE about the current situation at Real Madrid and gave his opinion on the other European teams.

Are you ready to play again?

Yes, I don't think I would experience any problems. Today I focused on sprinting exercises and I will return to training with the rest of the squad tomorrow. If I don't experience any problems I will be able to play against Levante on Sunday. I'm anxious to play again. I've been out for nearly three weeks and I'm very excited about playing at the Bernabéu again.

Do you feel the team needs you now more than ever because Ronaldo has gone?

The team needs all of us. We are going through a spell plagued by injuries and we have to recover men as soon as possible. We are excited with what lies ahead because the best is yet to come, especially after such an irregular first half of the season. We can't allow ourselves to lose any more points at the Bernabéu. We are going to fight to win the League and the Champions League.

Do you think Real Madrid have a good enough squad to win a title?

I do. We will have a very competitive squad once we all recover. Even though Ronaldo's left, we are still capable of achieving our goals.

What did you think of Ronaldo's parting words?

Ronie brought joy to the fans, scored many goals at Real Madrid and was an excellent teammate. Players go through different stages and one of his ended yesterday. We want to thank him for what he gave us and wish him luck with his new team. As professional players, we have to get used to these situations.

Now that he's gone, are you hoping to play as a striker again?

I've always liked being a striker, but it is up to the coach to decide what the best options are. I may have more options of playing as a striker, but I am more worried about the team recovering its spirit and going back to playing well at all times. That will give us hopes for a brighter future.

Are things back to normal after the turmoil created by the President's controversial words and the uncomfortable situation some players are in?

Everything is back to normal. The meeting we held with the President was very important. Many things could have happened during the winter transfer window. We will all work hand in hand to focus only on the sporting side of the Club.

Do all these things, such as the recent trial concerning the absentee votes of the most recent election, affect players when they are peforming on the pitch?

We are completely isolated from these matters as they don't concern us. We only care about winning on Sunday.

Do you like Ricardo Oliveira?

Of course (smiles). He played very well with Betis. He is very fast, he has a natural scoring instinct and he is capable of throwing any team off balance. If the Club were to sign him, we would give him a very warm welcome.

Which team do you enjoy watching the most?

I like many teams. Barcelona were the best last season. Liverpool weren't quite so great but they played amazing football when they won the Champions League. Chelsea are a very competitive team that have chances of winning the Champions League. We, on the other hand, haven't played great football in the last three years. But five years ago we did, and we were still winning important titles. This is normal. Teams go through different cycles.

Bayern Munich, your upcoming rival in the Champions League, are also going through an uneven spell...

That's true and I don't like it. I would prefer it if they were living a great moment. Bayern Munich have always been a complicated rival and they have surprised us many times. They know how to compete at a very high level in an important competition. I would rather face them in full form, like a few years ago.

What do you think about newly elected UEFA President Michel Platini's intention to cut down the number of Spanish participants in the Champions League?

Platini has been elected to find the best solution to any problem. I liked the Champions League when it was only comprised by the top team in every country. Maybe four teams are too many. Reducing the number to two or three could make the tournament more competitive, as well as the League, since no one would simply look to end fourth on the table.

Would you ever wear Atletico Madrid's shirt again in the future?

I have always said that in Spain I will only wear Real Madrid's shirt. I would only leave this Club to play for a foreign team.

"Would you ever wear Atletico Madrid's shirt again in the future?

I have always said that in Spain I will only wear Real Madrid's shirt. I would only leave this Club to play for a foreign team."

I hope he will never leave real Madrid for any other team. He is real Madrid spirit.

Raul will never leave Madrid...He is there for LIFE!!!!

Now everyone in the media and sports want Raul to be the STRIKER AGAIN. He didn't do it with R9 very well. It's almost like a comeback, a reborn striker!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks LuNO

You're welcome Ange

Team list:

GK: Casillas y Diego López.

Defenders: Salgado, Ramos, Helguera, Pavón, Mejía, Miñambres y Torres.

Mids: Diarra, Emerson, Guti, y Nieto.

Forwards: Raúl, Robinho, Van Nistelrooy, Higuaín y Reyes.

from today's training

Thanks Ange

I love him

SO HOT!!!!!!!!!

SO HOT!!!!!!!!!

oh yes

Thanks Chic_Raul_ista

thanks Chic_Raul_ista & LuNo!...

btw Madrid lost again