Interview with Javier Saviola
August 2007

"I can't wait to play in the Bernabéu and feel cared for and protected by Real Madrid fans."

Javier Saviola has now taken his first solid steps with Real Madrid. Having left Barcelona for the arch rival, he has followed in the footsteps of his current coach, Bernd Schuster, who he hopes to win titles with by playing good football and scoring goals; the same football that reminds him when fellow Argentine Jorge Valdano managed the Whites. In an interview published by Spanish press agency EFE, the forward states "I admired Valdano's era at Real Madrid."

What are your initial impressions of Real Madrid?
I have a good feeling. My teammates have treated me very well, and I have adapted very quickly thanks to them. The same can be said about the way the coach wants us to play. I am feeling a lot better phyically. We still need a little time to make this team more of a threat. We saw signs of good football mixed with periods of weakness in the first half of the preseason. We've still got a long way to go. I am happy with the goals I scored, but this is still a time of trial and error and getting to know everyone. Results are always important, but the preseason is when we have to think more about all our hard work. We'll all be much better by the time the team begins taking off and the preseason draws to a close.

You've been accompanied by Raúl since your arrival.
I couldn't have asked for anyone else. He knows the Club so well. He's the symbol of Real Madrid; the captain. I've gone to him with any question or doubt I had, and he clarified everything for me.

Would piece of advice will you stick with?
A lot of it, but I would rather observe him than ask for advice. He's got an incredible winning attitude. He's spent a lot time among the elite and he still trains the same way; he sacrifices himself for the team. You always have to respect a player like him.

You began your career with River, but did you ever imagine it would take this course?
Honestly, never. You always dream about playing for great teams, so what I have gone through has been beautiful. I never imagined playing for Barcelona and Real Madrid, or having the career I have had. I realise how happy I am when I look back on it all.

Are you a privileged footballer?
Yes. Privileged but thanks to a lot of hard work. You reap the rewards based on hard work and dedication, but you also have to have a little luck if you're to play for great clubs and to be around world-class players. I am very proud to belong to Real Madrid now and I hope to triumph here.

Did you ever admire Real Madrid?
Yes, when Valdano was the manager. I loved the call he made; the football he played with Raúl, who had just come from the youth squad, and key players like Redondo. He was a player I always liked a lot.

He knew how to make his mark on Madridismo.
He's a player that Raúl and I have spoken a lot about. He's also a person who Raúl appreciates and has a good idea about. I remember how he played as a classic five from my country and historical plays like the heal feint in Manchester. He's an Argentine that made history; an example to be followed.

Is it true that players feel the burden of the shield when they don the shirt of a great team?
Yes, it's a huge responsibility. The Real Madrid shirt has a long history behind it. Walking into the Bernabéu or Camp Nou with thousands of screaming fans who notice every mistake isn't for everybody, but it is where a player has to toughen up to prove why he has made it to that point.

Speaking about Valdano's football, his rhombus in the midfield is very similar to what Schuster is using now.
It's a system I have always liked. It's more comfortable to play. I have always played as a second forward and supplied the striker with the ball, connected with the attacking midfielder, and been able to move on the opponent's goal. Schuster has gotten rid of Capello's philosophy. Touching is now the way to reach the goal. It's what attackers and people who try to play good football like. The entire team will benefit from this system.

Is one of your goals to do away with your bad boy image?
I hope so (laughs), but we all want to be unquestionable starters. There will be a big battle for playing time throughout the season. We'll all have to be prepared and in form. The season is long and there are many matches. Some will play more, some less, but we always have to be ready to take advantage of an opportunity.

Several years ago, Ronaldo said that the player that most surprised him was Guti. Who has caught your eye?
Guti is extremely talented and he is easy to understand on the pitch. Raúl's strength and work habits in every training session have surprised me.

Schuster has asked for three immediate signings. Are they necessary?
We should be in better form to make that assessment. There's still a long road ahead footballistically-speaking and we have a lot to correct, but you can't come to any major conclusions from matches used for testing. There must be a reason why the coach has asked for more players.

Your Bernabéu debut in the Super Cup is just around the corner.
I can't wait to play in the Bernabéu and feel cared for and protected by Real Madrid fans. I hope we have a great season so that the fans have fun and that I feel wanted here.

Is Real Madrid the best showcase to make a return to the Argentine national team?
I'm planning on returning. I couldn't play in the Copa América, but I would like to return soon. I was a member of the team for a long time and I would like to play for it again. Real Madrid is an unbeatable showcase to achieve it. I'm sure I will if I play on a regular basis.

What goal did you set for yourself after signing for Real Madrid?
I want to win titles. I am hoping for a successful season, both personally and for the team. I want to win the Champions League. It's a very special title for all football players. It's only second to the World Cup. I hope to win it this year with Real Madrid.