Robben and Heinze @ Real Madrid

[Elano]

Gabriel Heinze was the first to appear dressed in Real Madrid's kit. The Argentine did several tricks with the ball, showcasing his great quality and technique. After this, he had his picture taken, waved to the fans and kicked some balls to the stands. Arjen Robben took the pitch moments later. After having a look at the team's bench, he got nearer to the photographers and the fans and also did several tricks to display his wonderful touch on ball. Robben sent several balls to the stands, once tricking the fans by looking in one direction and sending the ball the other way. Both players then posed together for the media.

Gabriel Heinze gave his first press conference as a Real Madrid player after his official presentation. He said "every player wants to play for Real Madrid."

Do you think you are fit to play on Saturday?
I don’t really know because I came back from my holiday a couple of weeks ago. I trained with United until Sunday. From then on, due to some personal problems, I worked on my own, not with the team. I’ll know a bit better after this evening’s training.

Where do you think you will be more useful?
That’s up to the coach. He will know where I will do best for him. I’ve played both as a centre back and as a left back.

Olympique Lyonnais also bid strongly for you. Why did you choose Real Madrid?
I respect every team. I am very grateful to Olympique for their strong bid for me, it made me very proud because they are a great team. I chose Real Madrid because I believe every player wants to play for this team. I took the chance and I think I made the right decision.

There was controversy during your signing. At first you said you wanted to go to Liverpool. Did you ever think you would end up at Real Madrid?
Not at all. I’m very happy because I’m at one of the most important clubs in history. That’s a great honour.

Don’t you think it will be hard for you to make people forget about Roberto Carlos?
I think that’s impossible to do and I didn’t come here for that. I’m here to do my best for this team. I admire Roberto Carlos immensely as a player.

What have you played most as during your career, as centre back or as left back?
I’d really have to think about that... At Manchester I always played as a left back, save for some games last season, and I’m a centre back with Argentina, except for the Copa America. I don’t really know, but I think I’ve played more as a left back.

As a left back, do you feel more comfortable in attack or in defence?
I’m primarily a defender. I like to help in attack, but I don’t make the team win the game. I think my talent lies in defence, but I will help in any way I can.

Your situation at Manchester United ended badly. Do you think the fans will ever forgive you?
The fans of Manchester United know how I think and how I am. I never said anything about this issue, I simply did what I felt I had to do. Some people led me down that path. The fans aren’t stupid; they won’t forget everything I did for that Club. I’m very calm when it comes down to that.

What’s left of the kid that once played for Valladolid?
Absolutely nothing... I recently saw some videos that I hadn’t seen for years and I was so young... Nineteen years old... I was very different. Those tapes brought back beautiful memories of what I consider to be my first proper club. I have many good friends there. I think I’m a completely different player now.

Do you think you’ve left ManU slightly bitterly and that Alex Ferguson may be disappointed in you?
I don’t think so. I’ve left as a champion and I gave my all for that club. I don’t know if Ferguson is disappointed in me. You should ask him if you get the chance.


Over 6,000 fans were at the Bernabéu to greet Real Madrid's new signings, Arjen Robben and Gabriel Iván Heinze, who landed in Madrid this morning and have had a hectic day so far.The first to be presented at the stadium was Gabriel Heinze. As soon as he made his appearance, the fans started chanting "Madrid! Madrid! in unison.
"He is the embodyment of devotion, drive and commitment," said the President in his speech, prior to summarising the Argentine's track record.

"Gabriel, I'm sure that you and your wife Florencia, as well as your children Paula and Agustín, are proud of the fact that today you have joined the most successful sports Club in the world," said Calderón at the end of his speech, wishing the player the very best of luck during his stay at the Club.

"I'm not a man of many words," said the player, "But I can tell you that I am incredibly happy for being here. I want to thank all those who have given me the chance of signing for Real Madrid. I'm going to give my best to this Club, as I have been doing so far on other teams."

[Elano]

Ramón Calderón: "I am proud to present the best left winger in the world"

Robben was a true star in his presentation, giving a brief speech in Spanish to the fans. Ramón Calderón presented him as "the best left winger in the world."

Arjen Robben was presented immediately after Gabriel Heinze. When he came out onto the pitch the fans at the stadium went wild.
"Robben was one of my promises during last year's election campaign and, finally, I can present to you the best left winger in the world," said the President in his opening speech. Ramón Calderón then summarised the young player's impressive track record.

"The Dutch winger has played for Chelsea during the last three seasons, winning every title a footballer can win in England. His class has made him a fixed player on Marco Van Basten's Holland, with whom he's played 22 games and scored 7 goals. He was one of the best players in last year's World Cup." The President then mentioned the penalty the Dutch player scored against Sweeden, which was his team's ticket to the semifinals. "He is a brilliant signing to complete a brilliant squad," added the President.

"Robben is an idol in his country and people in London admire him. I'm sure he will become an idol for Madridismo because our fans expect a lot from him." To end, Real Madrid's Premier said some words to the player in Dutch.

To everyone's surprise, Robben gave his speech in Spanish. "Good evening. I've studied a bit of Spanish in order to say a few words today. I want to thank everyone at the Club, the President and the members. I know they have done a lot of work and that they have been very patient in order to sign me. I can now say I am a Real Madrid player, which was always one of my dreams. I hope we all win many titles together. Hala Madrid!"

[KURUPTION-81]

like i said in the other thread heinze can fuck right off.

[Elano]

heinze is a very good defender

[Lunatic]

Robben is fantastic, dives 2 much though...not sure if heinze still has it

[gav09]

Robben has an immense amount of talent, but hes 2 injury prone! Heinze is a gr8 defender, I just dont like him 4 the way he dealt with gettin out at United.

[Canuck]

Robben coul be a great pickup, what was the transfer fee?

[Rud]

around 20m

[Elano]

Robben is fantastic, dives 2 much though...not sure if heinze still has it

I like robben but i think van persie is much better

[Throwback]

lol robben. that dude falls if you drop the remote control. he comes in handy for the last 30 minutes.

[KURUPTION-81]

heinze is a very good defender

yes he is a very good defender but it was an insult to united fans when he tried to engineer a move to are biggest rivals, Liverpool.

He knows the history and the hate the two clubs have for each other, he also knew how much the united fans liked him . Yet he still did all that he could taking the club to tribubal to try and move to lliverpool.

Even attempting to get us to sell him to crystal palace so they could then sell him to liverpool (worse plan ever).

[Invincible]

I'm annoyed that Heinze has gone but not as annoyed when fergie let Jaap Stam go and if he ever let Rio go in the near future because that would one of the most stupid things to do ever.

[Mac 10 †]

Heinze was the best left-back in the world about 2 years ago. Amazin he was.

[KURUPTION-81]

I'm annoyed that Heinze has gone but not as annoyed when fergie let Jaap Stam go and if he ever let Rio go in the near future because that would one of the most stupid things to do ever.

yeah, fergie booted stam out like he has done with many great players, but heinze is the first player for a while who has wanted to leave.