Saviola reveals reasons for Madrid switch (7 Aug 2007 07:32 GMT)
The 25-year-old was frozen out at FC Barcelona for unsubstantiated reasons and moved to the Bernabéu this summer, only months after saying he would never play for them.
Now the former River Plate striker has explained that he made the move to fulfil his ambitions and because he has always had a soft touch for los Merengues.
"I want to return to the national team," he explained. "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."
"I have always like the club, especially when Jorge when Valdano was the manager," Saviola said. "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."
"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. 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," he added.
Saviola has settled into his new surroundings quickly and is delighted that he Raúl has taken him under his wing to make his adaptation even easier.
"I couldn't have asked for anyone else," he explained. "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. Now, 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."
After scoring a penalty in the first game of the Russian Railways Cup, Saviola also netted in the final against PSV and he is pleased to have made a strong start.
"We've still got a long way to go," Saviola said. "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."
source : Goal.com