Mythical Raúl González Blanco will always be remembered as one of Real Madrid's greatest players of all time. He has made his comeback from being injured with more passion than ever and is looking forward to next season with a stop at the World Cup in Germany in between. Real Madrid's captain was interviewed in El Larguero.
Because you're dressed in red and white, I'm just dying to ask. Would you ever return to Atlético de Madrid?
Never!
Is there anything that you're totally obsessed with?
I love football, and that's about it.
What does your son have to say when he sees you sitting on the bench?
He asks me why I'm not playing but he doesn't get mad with the coach. I tell him that we're a team and that it's someone else's turn to play. He can handle the fact that I don't always play. He's seen me play and he'll continue to do so.
Would you put yourself in the starting eleven if you were the coach?
Well, I'm not the coach. I think I started off well, playing a bit here and there. The coach trusted me enough to play me against Arsenal, Valencia and Betis. Other players are getting their chance to shine and we have to respect those decisions.
Being that you are Raúl, do you realise that you are a part of many people's lives, as well as a huge part of Real Madrid's history?
Yes, I do. In this profession you become a part of many people that love you and appreciate you. You're always in the eye of the hurricane, in bad times and good times. But, I try to live a calm, organized life. Life isn't just about football. My family and friends are my escape. I'm at a great point in my life and I'm happy with the path my wife and I have chosen.
Life has been good to you and this injury was really your first sour note.
It's been an up and down season. At first, we thought it could be a really serious injury, but little by little, we realised it wasn't and we became much more optimistic for a full recovery. I've been able to push myself in training and soon enough I'll be playing regularly at the same level as before.
How is your knee holding up with all your hard work?
Thankfully, it hasn't given me any problems. I have to continue working hard and strengthening my muscles with the work I do on a daily and weekly basis. It's also a matter of playing in matches and getting used to the rhythm of the game.
Are you friends with Pau Gasol?
De la Morena has hosted Raúl and Gasol on this program at the same time. We know each other. I really like basketball. We met during the the Madrid 2012 Olympic bid in Singapur and we had a great time together. I'm sure he saw the Barcelona match.
Have you ever been tempted to leave Spain to play in another country?
As of today, no. I've had offers but I haven't payed attention to them, nor will I.
Were you upset for not having played in the Camp Nou? Had you ever been benched in that match before?
I can't remember if I was on the bench during my second season under Jorge Valdano. I wasn't used to it, but that was the coach's decision. I've just recovered from an injury and my teammates are playing well, so we have to respect what the coach says.
Did you think you'd be on the bench the week prior to the game?
I trained hard and well, and I was pleased with my effort. I was looking forward to being able to play, but knowing that the team had won our last match, it was only logical to play the same eleven. We speak on a daily basis but it's what the coach feels and sees that allows him to make his decisions.
Were you supposed to play in the second half?
Possibly, but we were playing a man down, which changes everything. The coach made decisions that he thought were best for the team. The play left us with ten men on Barcelona's pitch, but according to Roberto, he didn't say anything.
I did speak to Roberto about it and he said he didn't tell the referee anything. It's always a tense, stressful match and the ref must have thought that Roberto was disrespectful, so he sent him off.
What's watching a match from the bench like?
I don't enjoy it at all and I get really nervous. On Saturday I couldn't keep still. We try to enjoy the match while cheering on our teammates, but we always need to be ready to be subbed in.
The team didn't appear to be happy about scoring against Mallorca.
I think we were all happy. Some were more enthusiastic than others, but we were all pleased. The goal was scored in the 25th minute, but we would have all run onto the field had it been scored in the 90th.
Has your thought process changed since being benched?
I can tell you how I feel, and it's something I've never felt in my teammates since being sat. Everyone tries to be a good friend and to help out, but those who don't play are really annoyed. However, we have to respect our teammates who are playing and our coach.
Were you ever scared of not playing?
No, never. My knee is fine. A few months ago I thought I was done for the season and that I wouldn't be ready for the World Cup. I feel great now and training helps so much. I'm improving day by day and I try to take advantage of my playing time.
Did you decide not to operate on your knee because you were obsessed with the World Cup this summer?
The World Cup didn't have anything to do with it. Looking back on it, I'm glad we didn't. I would have had it been necessary. I want to be back in great form. I've gotten better without having operated and a slow recovery protocol. I've come out on top with lots of hard work.
What's life at home like without football?
The first few weeks were terrible. My personality changed, especially when I had to use crutches. I felt useless because I couldn't play with the kids or help around the house. I just lay there watching television with an ice pack. After three weeks, I began to walk again and live a more normal life, which really cheered me up. I improved on a daily basis.
The Bernabéu has never stopped loving you.
Never! People who go to the Bernabéu want to have a good time and see their team win. I have the privilege of playing for Real Madrid and love every minute of it. Our supporters are disappointed as much as we are. I don't think they are upset with me. Rather, I get the feeling they love me and want me to do well, just like with any other player. You win the crowd with hard work, good football, and by scoring goals.
You have said your knee is fine, but what do you still need to work on?
I need to play in at least five or six more matches, hopefully sooner than later. Playing is the only way to get back into the rhythm of the game. I've trained hard and strong, but it's not the same as playing on Sunday. I've taken advantage of all my playing time, but I knew it would be difficult to get back into the swing of things. It was a lot of stress on my legs. Only time will help so I'm not worried about a thing.
Have you lost a lot of speed?
I was never fast. Michel has played with me. He'll tell you.
What is your best quality?
My passion for the game. Only by playing and training hard will I regain that spark.
What was your relationship with Florentino Pérez like?
We always got along, especially in the last couple of years. We enjoyed several meals together and I went to his house on occasion. It was always for the good of Real Madrid. We have to speak of the positive aspects, compare how the club was when he came in and how it is at the moment. He's done great things for the Club.
Is Raúl finished?
No, but time will put people firmly in their place. There's people who think and say so in the press.
Why is part of the press against you? Does what they say about your relationship with Ronaldo bother you?
I speak to everyone and I try to treat everyone equally. It could be because I'm a family man and live an organized life. My relationship with Ronaldo is much better now because we know and respect each other. We've always had a good relationship. There's never been a war between us. Ronaldo is a special player. I don't regret saying what I said in the press conference. I think he's great and would always have him on my team.
Are you excited about next season?
Of course! Right now we have to focus on securing the second spot and over the summer we need to work hard. The new project involves us pushing ourselves to do the very best we can.
Do you see yourself in Spain's starting eleven for the World Absoultely!
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