Rai:Kaka is interested in wining titles with Real Madrid

Sao Paulo 90's icon, Rai, who Kaka looked up to as a child, commented on the Brazilian's future with Real Madrid.

"I knew that Kaka had the potential to become of the best ever, but since he left for Europe until now, he has made incredible progress. His body is much stronger and can withstand the demands of European football. In terms of quality, I knew back in the day that he was better than all the rest. His best asset is his head. He improved so fast because he has incredible mental strength."

"Spain is better suited to his style of play. Succeeding in Italy isn't easy, but he managed to do so."

"I know Kaka well and I know that his only thoughts are on winning La Liga and the Champions League. If the team has succeeded, all the individual accolades will follow."

"I first learned that he looked up to me through the Brazilian press, and then I got the chance to know him in person."

Karim Benzema's shirt number is 19

Karim Benzema did wear 19 number shirt during the match against Shamrock Rovers.19 was Huntelaar's shirt number who is about to leave Real Madrid.

His shirt was numberless at the presentation at Santiago Barnebau and Real Madrid Supporters and Benzema fans were curious about his shirt number.

Roy Keane:Cristiano Ronaldo was transfered cheap

Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid earlier this month after the Spanish giants had agreed to pay Manchester United a world record fee of €93 million, a deal considered good value by Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane.

Roy Keane, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford as a player, believes the Spanish club spent just the right sum on Ronaldo.
"That figure seems just fine to me," he is quoted in AS as saying. "It is what he is worth, perhaps even more.

"Clubs must be ready to spend that. Look at the other players and you will understand that Ronaldo, for €93m, was cheap.

"We are talking about the best player in the world. Footballers are here to entertain, and if you look at any other industry in the world of this kind, the best are the ones that move most money."

Kaka's interview with Marca

Kaka told Marca he is anxious to return to the Spanish capital and that he believes his life will be "wonderful" at Real Madrid.

"I would like to be as successful as Zidane and Di Stefano were on the team."

"This month has been incredible. I am very happy with this new stage in my life and I am more certain each day that my life at Real Madrid will be wonderful. I think about the team all the time. I am anxious to return to Madrid."

"My presentation was very exciting. I saw so many people when I looked up from the players' tunnel... It was an incredible surprise. I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe so many peple came just to see me."

"Florentino Perez is an incredible person. Real Madrid was an amazing team when I first met him in 2002. He is a very important person to me."

"I want to climb Cibeles many times."

"I like Pellegrini. He did a spectacular job at Villarreal, giving the team a beautiful style. I'm sure he'll try to do the same at Real Madrid."

"I like to play as an attacking midfielder. I feel most comfortable behind the strikers, but I'll play wherever I'm told."

Real Madrid sporting director Miguel Pardeza:"Real Madrid are not interested in signing Cesc Fabregas"

Real Madrid are not interested in signing Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, according to the club's sporting director Miguel Pardeza.

The Spanish giants insist they will not bid for the Arsenal playmaker even if they fail in their quest to land Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

Real have consistently been linked with a move for Fabregas but it seems former club Barcelona are favourites to snare him if he does leave the Emirates.

"He is a great player, there's no doubt about that. But at this moment he is not an target for Real Madrid. The club are working on other alternatives,'' he said.

Pardeza also confirmed negotiations with Liverpool over Alonso had reached an impasse, but that they still hadn't given up hope of resolving the situation.

"Madrid must not discard an option until it's totally gone. Now there is an insurmountable financial barrier, but it's something that could change. We're looking for alternatives, although there aren't many.''

Madrid have already spent close to £200million on four new signings - Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol - this summer but are still looking to add a couple more players as they seek a return to winning ways after ending last season empty-handed.

Karim Benzema's first interview:I am happy to be playing here

Karim Benzema held his first interview with the club's official media outlets. The Frenchman expressed that playing for Real Madrid had been a lifelong desire and that it is an honor for him to don the Madridista kit.

Welcome to Madrid. How do you feel now that you are here?

I feel good and I am very happy to be here. I am anxious to begin playing for Real Madrid.

What did you think when you first found out that Real Madrid were interested in signing you?

It’s the team I dreamed about playing for when I was small. I was very happy and had no second thoughts.

Why did you choose Real Madrid and not another club?

There are many clubs, but this club has prestige. I dreamed about playing here as a child, which is why I am here now.

You are from Lyon and played for Olympique. Was it hard for you to leave you home town to move to Madrid?

Yes because I played for Lyon between the time I was nine and now. I had several great moments there. I played a lot of good matches. Leaving my family and playing for a new club is a new adventure, but I am very happy to be here.

How did those closest to you react when you decided to join Real Madrid?

They were happy because my whole family loves this club. They always give me advice, but I had to make the final decision, and this is where I wanted to be.

Florentino Perez went to Lyon to see you. What did he say to you that convinced you to come to Madrid?

Florentino is a great president. He also brought Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo to Real Madrid. He came to my house and we talked. He is a great person and he convinced me by saying that he is building a great team with great players. That is why I was sure I wanted to come here.

You mention Zinedine Zidane. Has he had any influence over your career?

No. He did not influence my decisión. But he was one of the best players ever and he had a great career.

You are also a big Ronaldo fan. Tell us a little about the store of the shirt.

Ronaldo was here a long time ago to play against Olympique Lyonnais, but unfortunately I couldn’t play. Gerard Houllier and Jean-Michel Aulas, who coached then, surprised me by bringing me a shirt signed by Ronaldo. It made me very happy.

You play in the same position as Ronaldo. Do you have a lot in common?

I don’t know if I have anything in common with him, but he did inspire me a lot. I think he was the best striker in the world and many times I try to emulate him on the pitch.

Is there anyone in particular who has influenced you career from the very beginning?

My family. My parents have always stuck by my side to make sure I was always the best at what I did. I am eternally grateful.

Does you arrival represent the start of a new stage in your career?

It naturally represents a step upwards. I worked very hard to be the best French striker when I was at Olympique. This is a new start for me. I will have the privilege of playing with great footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. I think I will learn a lot from them. I still have to improve and learn, and I will do so faster in time.

You will also play with your friend Diarra. What can you tell us of him?

He is a great player. I met him on the French national team. He is young and I believe he is a fantastic player.

What do you think of Raul’s track record?

Raul is also a phenomenal striker; he is currently the all-time top-scorer in the Champions League. He is also the symbol of Real Madrid. I will probably ask him for a lot of advice.

Is the French league very different from La Liga?

I think it is. More goals are scored per game here in Spain. The game flows better than in France, where football is more tactical.

Do you think you will have to change the way you play?

I don’t because I like this type of touch football. I enjoy Spanish football.

How do you imagine your first match at the Bernabeu will be like?

I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience. I hope I have a great debut.

Do you think Real Madrid have chances of playing the Champions League final at the Bernabeu next year?

We will first have to have a good start to the season. There are many new players on the team, but I think our individual talents may help us reach far.

Do you think playing for Real Madrid could help you win the Ballon d’Or some day?

The first was to sign for a club like this and that’s been done. I now have to work hard and learn a lot to win La Liga, the Champions league and other titles.

¿Crees que jugar en el Real Madrid te ayudará a conseguir el Balón de Oro?

That’s one of my dreams. At a great club like Real Madrid you can win anything.

What do you think of Raul’s track record?

Raul is also a phenomenal striker; he is currently the all-time top-scorer in the Champions League. He is also the symbol of Real Madrid. I will probably ask him for a lot of advice.

Is the French league very different from La Liga?

I think it is. More goals are scored per game here in Spain. The game flows better than in France, where football is more tactical.

Do you think you will have to change the way you play?

I don’t because I like this type of touch football. I enjoy Spanish football.

How do you imagine your first match at the Bernabeu will be like?

I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience. I hope I have a great debut.

Do you think Real Madrid have chances of playing the Champions League final at the Bernabeu next year?

We will first have to have a good start to the season. There are many new players on the team, but I think our individual talents may help us reach far.

Do you think playing for Real Madrid could help you win the Ballon d’Or some day?

The first was to sign for a club like this and that’s been done. I now have to work hard and learn a lot to win La Liga, the Champions league and other titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first training with Real Madrid Photos

Real Madrid returned to pre-season training today with recent arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema among the new faces.

Also taking to the pitches at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground this morning were new coach Manuel Pellegrini, who replaced Juande Ramos in June after five seasons at Villarreal, as well as Ezequiel Garay and Alvaro Negredo.

Once Madrid complete their tour to Ireland, during which they will face Shamrock Rovers in a friendly, the team return to the Spanish capital to take part in the Peace Cup from July 26 to August 2, after which they are scheduled to head to North America for matches in Toronto and Washington DC on August 7 and 9.

Madrid have also organised a match against Borussia Dortmund on August 19, before facing AC Milan in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy on August 25 ahead of the start of the new Primera Division season.

Karim Benzema's shirt number is not certain yet

With Kaka choosing '8' as his number, Raul Albiol picking up the No.18 shirt and Cristiano Ronaldo the famous No.9 jersey, there were no available options for the 21-year-old striker, who was presented in a numberless shirt.

Benzema will have to wait for one of his team-mates to depart the club to have a number at his disposal, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's No.19 shirt being a likely option.

Karim Benzema's Presentation Photos (Pictures) at Santiago Barnebau

In the fourth player presentation in the space of just nine days, Karim Benzema attracted nearly 15,000 people to the Santiago Bernabeu.

With Kaka choosing '8' as his number, Raul Albiol picking up the No.18 shirt and Cristiano Ronaldo the famous No.9 jersey, there were no available options for the 21-year-old striker, who was presented in a numberless shirt.

Benzema will have to wait for one of his team-mates to depart the club to have a number at his disposal, with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's No.19 shirt being a likely option.

Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez introduced Benzema as "the best young player in the French league", with the striker then thanking the opportunity to play at "the best club in the world".

"I am very happy to play in the same club as my idols, Zidane and Ronaldo. Thank you Florentino Perez," he added.

Karim Benzema's first day at Madrid (Photos)

Karim Benzema is counting down the hours until his official unveiling as a Madridista. With the presentation scheduled for 21:00 CET, there is plenty of business to attend to after arriving at Madrid's Barajas International Airport.

ARRIVAL IN MADRID
Karim Benzema arrived in Madrid close to 11 am. Several fans gathered at Madrid Airport's Terminal 2 building to greet him. Benzema was delighted with the reception and made his way to the Mirasierra Suite Hotel, where he will stay until he has his medical examination at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital.

MEETING WITH PELLEGRINI
After arriving in the Spanish capital, Karim Benzema was driven to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where in the lounge he met his new coach, Manuel Pellegrini. The player and coach chatted for several minutes, during which Benzema expressed how eager he is to beginning work with his new team. After the discussion, the French striker headed to Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital for his medical checkup.

GREEN LIGHT TO PLAY
Karim Benzema is fit for action according to Real Madrid's medical servics at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital. Benzema passed all his tests with flying colors and has been cleared to sign his six-year deal with Real Madrid later this afternoon.

HOME-COMING
Benzema fulfilled one of the highlights of the day: his visit to the Santiago Bernabeu. After a brief tour of the stadium offices, Benzema granted his first interview as a Madridista to Real Madrid's official media outlets.

LUNCH AT PUERTA 57
After getting familiar with his new stomping ground, Karim Benzema had lunch at Puerta 57 located within the stadium itself. The player sat down with Sporting Director, Miguel Pardeza and Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Butragueño. Shorlty after finishing, Benzema returned to the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, where he will stay unitl returning to the Bernabeu to sign his contract as the newest Madridista.