BECKHAM: “I AM HAVING FUN WITH MY TEAMMATES”
Wednesday, Jul 30, 2003

David Beckham appeared on the sixth day. The excitement he caused was beyond all expectations. The Hongta Sports press room was too small to hold all the international journalists covering the first public statement of Real Madrid's '23'. All the attendants were satisfied with the British midfielder's appearance. His constant smile conquered over 500 journalists present on the occasion.

-What did you find in Real Madrid?
-It is a bit different from what I had experienced before. I found many good things and, for the moment, I am having lots of fun during this preseason.

-Your first impressions of your adaptation to the team.
-I am feeling good, besides, all my teammates were helping me by speaking in English and trying to make me understand Spanish. They are all great players and I had fun playing with them.

-Are you not tired of having all the media and fans following every step you take? -I am used to it. It was the same in England. But it is not only happening with me. People also wants to know about the other team members. It is an honour to have so many people cheering and following us. For me this is part of football.

-How are you getting on with your Spanish?
-My teammates are trying to help me. Roberto Carlos taught me a few words the other day while we were at the massage room. I am progressing little by little.

-Carlos Queiroz has put you on the right flank, is it any different from the way you played in United?
-It is a bit different because I have to move further to the centre. I must admit this is the most comfortable position for me.

-Do you already have any idea why you did not play Real Madrid in the Champions League?
-This is just the past. I keep very good memories of my phase in Manchester United. Now I am a Real Madrid player and I just care about my team. I have joined a great squad with extraordinary players. People expect a lot from us.

-Do you expect to have less pressure from the gossip magazines in Madrid?
-I met some of them when I first came to Madrid, but that's ok, because I am used to it. There is nothing I can do.

-What made you come to the Spanish Liga?
-It is different from the Premier League, where I have been playing for twelve years. It is a great opportunity because it is one of the best leagues in the world.

“PLAYING IN MADRID IS AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE”
Monday, Jul 28, 2003

-You must be very eager to focus on football now and forget a bit about non-sporting issues, mustn't you?

-I am only thinking about playing football. I have had a very busy summer with several commercial promotions. I just want to talk about football and play it, which is my profession.

-Being the King in Manchester, having won everything with your former Club, what made you come to Real Madrid?
-I have known many players that have come to Spain to play and they have told me very good things about the Championship. It is a very exciting experience to play in Real, and also a good chance to play with the best footballers in the world. I think there was no better way to leave Manchester United.

-Have your teammates passed on to you the obssession to win the European Cup?
-It is true that winning thhe Champions League is important for every club, but, from what my teammates have told me, it is something special in Real Madrid. It is one of the biggest world tournaments and we are going to fight for it this year.

-What share in your success might be due to Carlos Queiroz?
-I worked with him in United last year. He will try to help me to adapt, but his training sessions are in Spanish, and I still find it hard to understand what he is asking for.

-Can your characteristics help you succeed in the Spanish Liga?
-Maybe. It is too soon to see that. The first thing is to see how I fit in with the system and then we will take care of that.

-Which are your objectives?
-We want to win all the possible trophies. My objectives are same as the group's. I do not forget about fans: in every game we want to go out and give what they expect from us, so that they are happy.

“MY TEAMMATES ARE EXCEPTIONAL AT PERSONAL LEVEL”
Monday, Jul 28, 2003

-How did you get on with your new teammates these first days?
-I am very glad and happy because it is a beautiful experience. In spite of knowing the coach, everything is new, the teammates are different, the language is different. I hope I will live up to the expectations.

-You traveled around Asia during your holidays and you had the chance to see the thrill your figure and Real Madrid cause in these countries. I imagine the reception did not surprise you.
-I am used to these receptions. The only thing is that this trip is different from the previous one because now the thrill is caused by all the players: Ra�l, Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo… Fans in these countries just go out of their way to see their idols.

-Have your new teammates surprised you, at personal level, mainly?
-I already knew them at sporting level, but, at personal level, I am very happy because they have made huge effort to help me with my Spanish. They are helping me to get integrated as soon as possible. They are just as good at sporting level as at personal. I am very grateful to them.

- August 27th is highlighted date on your calendar, your debut at Santiago Bernab�u.
-This event is really motivating for me. I had been very eager to meet my teammates since I signed the contract. Once this phase is over, I am only thinking about the day I will wear the white shirt at Santiago Bernab�u. This is the hope I always have in mind.

-How would you imagine a hypothetical encounter with Manchester United or any other English team?
-It would be an honour for me to play English sides as a Real Madrid player. If this moment ever happens, it will be something very special in my career.

-Are you afraid of failure, like it has been the case for other English players that have left Britain to play in other tournaments?
-I am not afraid. This is precisely why we have come here. The preseason matches and the adaptation preiod will get me to the start of the season in a better shape. I have lived similar experiences in England, when foreign players joined our teams. As soon as I adapt and learn the language, it will be a lot easier, though I do not deny it would be difficult.

Forr�s: www.realmadrid.com