Interview with Wesley Sneijder
August 2007

"I think I play best right behind the strikers, as an attacking midfielder"

How has your first day been so far?
Everything's been running very smoothly and the fans gave me a very warm welcome, which gave me very good vibes. The people at the Club were very nice to me and that made me happy. I already feel very comfortable here, and I haven't even played yet!

What did you feel when you entered the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium?
It felt great to be received in such a manner and I am very grateful to the Club for having faith in me. These things confirm I have made the right decision.

What made you chose Real Madrid?
It's hard to explain... There comes a time in which a football player suddenly wants more. I've played in the Dutch League for five years and I had a very good run last season, which gave me the chance of joining Real Madrid. You have to grab that chance and do things well in order to be able to say you made the right decision.

What do you think brought you here?
I don't know... I guess scoring many goals and playing well did... The fans expect a lot from me and my job is to do things well. I am confident and I will do my best not to let the Club and the fans down.

Which position do you feel more comfortable in?
I think I play best right behind the strikers, as an attacking midfielder. I like the coach to give me freedom, thanks to which I score many goals.

Did you ever have doubts about signing for the Club?
I've spoken with many representatives from the Club in the past few days, including the President. Having the President call you means the Club is very interested in you and you don't think twice about taking the chance. They all expressed their confidence in me and I had no doubts about joining this team.

How did your family take it?
It's been hard for them because it means we have to say good-bye to our country, but they have always supported and they were with me today during the presentation. We stand together and we believe we are going to enjoy our time here.

Have you spoken to any of your previous teammates from Ajax yet?I've only managed to speak with Stam and Stekelenburg and they are very happy for me. It's sad for me to leave the Club, but we all have to start a new adventure some time. Other players on the team will have similar chances in the future.

What did you think about the presentation?
I watched other presentations on TV, so it was more or less as I expected. The most beautiful moment for me was stepping onto the pitch because there were many fans on the stands waiting to see me. I was very happy. I can't wait to play my first game.

There are other Dutch players on the team. Will this help?
It is always easier to adapt to a team when it has countrymen of yours. Ruud Van Nistelrooy has been here for a year and I know he will help me. I've spoken to him and he's told me to call him if I have any questions. We'll see each other in training tomorrow.

You come from Utrecht, birthplace of other great players, such as Marco Van Basten.
That is true, but it doesn't guarantee anything. Utrecht is a beautiful town. I wish to give something back to my city by doing well in Madrid.

Is there anything in particular you would like to tell the fans?
I want to become an important player on the team. I'm not going to make any promises, besides the fact that I am going to try to do my best all the time so that the fans enjoy watching me play.

What are your goals as a Real Madrid player?
This is a very big step for me. I want to improve as a player and I think a Club like Real Madrid gives you the chance to do so. I want to reach the very top.