Samuel: “I came here to win all the titles”
01/07/2004
He is said to be pretty sparing with words, leaving all his fluency (non verbal) to the field, where he expresses himself wonderfully. After signing the papers, the new Madrid defender put on his number 19 white shirt and went down to the pitch to know the stage where he is to bewilder the audience. Before that, he had a brief chat with his admired country man Di Stéfano and appeared before the media in a conference in which, in spite of his sparingness with words, he could not be clearer or more straightforward.
Emilio Butragueño acted as the master of ceremoniesat this press conference, which began with the announcement that the player had passed the medical check-up with very satisfactory results and that he had signed a five-year contract with the Club. ''Today is a good day for Real Madrid, we are all very happy to have him here with us said Butragueño. The white manager also pointed out that it was the beginning of a new adventure for Samuel'' after ''a somehow long process'' Then it was time for the Argentinean player to speak.
-Samuel, has it been a very long wait?
-No, luckily enough, I had the chance to spend some time with my national team, so it did not seem that long in the end. But, I was really looking forward to get everything sorted out and come here. We are all now very happy. I am delighted.
-Why did you renounce the America Cup with Argentina?
-I have not renounce anything. I am just thankful to the coach who was very thoughtful with me, as he could have stuck to the rules and called me. He did it for my good and I must be very thankful.
-Who is your favourite player in Real Madrid?
-I do not have a favourite one in particular, there is a crop of great players, who all together have achieved everything. I will try and do my best with all of them. My interest is in the group rather than in individuals.
-Madrid has been looking for a center-back for a long time. What does this mean to you: pressure, pride
-I am very proud that they have laid their eyes on me. I have met lots of tension in all the clubs I have played for, so I am used to pressure. I am not afraid at all. My purpose is to do good play so that the team wins. I am not here to show off. My job is to defend and help the team win.
-Have you seen Carvalho?
-Yes, I know him, I have seen him playing for Porto. But then, it is up to other people to judge this. If you ask me, I would play with anybody.
-What is your objective coming to Real Madrid?
-I have not won anything for several years, so my objective is to win titles.
-What do you know about Camacho?
-I know he was Spain's coach and he had been coaching Benfica, but I do not have the pleasure of having met him in person.
-You got Cuchu's number, what does this mean?
-I don't mind, I chose it because I had had it with Roma, but if Cuchu had stayed, I would have chosen another number.
-Are you aware that Madrid's defence have been criticized very much over the past few years?
-That's something I can´t understand, because there are some great defenders in this team, I do not know why this has happened. They have won titles and I am here to cooperate and contribute to the team, that's my only intention.
-Which is your favourite team to win Euro 2004?
-Portugal is doing very well, plus they are at home. From the little I have seen, I think they are favourite.
and tonight was definitely one of those times. Real were humiliated at home against Sociedad and lost 1-4, gracias to Sociedad for this great end to the season. Now Real finish in fourth and Barca stay in second which means automatic qualification to the Champs league. 
