We tell you all the details of Kepa’s presentation as a new Real Madrid player
The sports city of Valdebebas has been the scene of the presentation of the new goalkeeper of Real Madrid. A private act that, like the rest of the signing sessions this summer, took place in the basketball pavilion. After him, the footballer has appeared at a press conference to attend the media and give his first impressions as a Real Madrid player.
The Biscayan comes on loan from Chelsea but without an option to buy. As of today, he will compete with Lunin for the starting spot that Courtois has left vacant after the injury that will keep him off the field for almost the entire season.
Presentation of Kepa by Real Madrid: his first words as a new white player
Word of welcome by Florentino Pérez
The white president wanted to start by sending a message of support to the players who had been injured in recent weeks.
“We will be by your side. You must show that no one ever gives up here. To the three of you, Courtois, Militao and Arda Güler, we send you all our strength and love”
“Today we welcome Kepa. Dear Kepa, welcome to your new home. We know very well that you fought to defend this shield. I want to thank you for choosing to defend our shirt. You are one of the best goalkeepers in the world. You come from a friendly club. You are part of its history. You are also one of the great goalkeepers in Spanish football. You grew up in a historic and friendly club like Athletic and you come to Real Madrid with great international experience”.
“This is one of the most important moments in your career. Your work, your sacrifice, the support of your family and the desire to be part of the best club in the world have brought you here. From now on, our fans will support you. ” accept this challenge”
Before finishing, Florentino Pérez wanted to have a few words for the women’s team that has reached the World Cup final.
Kepa intervention
“Thank you so much chairman, board of directors and coaching staff for enabling me to be here today. Thanks to my family, my wife, my representatives, for being there on such a special day.”
It also started with words for Courtois, Militao and Arda Güler
“I want to have a few words for my injured teammates. I send them a big hug. Today is one of the most special days of my sports career. I am very proud to be part of Real Madrid. I will take this challenge with great pleasure of enthusiasm. I can assure you that I am working. There will be no lack of commitment and commitment. I hope it will be a great stage, that we can win many titles and make the legend even greater. Thank you very much to everyone and Hala Madrid”.
Kepa will wear the number 25 on his shirt.
Kepa press conference after presentation by Real Madrid
The Director of Institutional Relations of Real Madrid, Emilio Butragueno, He introduced Kepa before the press conference and welcomed him back.
A special day
“Obviously it’s a very happy day for me and my whole family. What I feel is happiness and pride to belong to Real Madrid. It’s a day to enjoy and share with those closest to you.”
Everything went very quickly. How did the process go and when did it arrive?
“I come at one of the best moments of my career, after a great year and ready to take on the challenge. What is certain is that commitment and work will not be lacking.
The Real Madrid train has passed again after 2018. Did you expect it?
“Football is very changeable. I focus on giving 100 per cent wherever I am and now I’m ready to do it for Real Madrid. It was when it had to be”.
What did you think when you received the offer?
“The decision was very easy. I had other proposals, but the decision was quick”
Five years after being able to sign for Real Madrid, are you stronger now?
“Of course. Years and experience harden you. I’ve been through all kinds of situations and I’ve tried to stay with the good”
The pressure to play for Real Madrid
“I’ve thought about it before and now. Real Madrid is the king of the Champions League. I’ve been through it and we all agree.”
Have you spoken to your colleagues?
“In the national team I have had teammates from Madrid. Not in recent days, in recent years you are talking and you see that it is spectacular. It is seen from the outside and they confirm it from the inside”.
From the cradle of Athletic. What memories do you have of Real Madrid and what does this club mean to you?
“Being with Real Madrid is a source of pride. I’ve always followed the League, I grew up watching Iker in goal at Real Madrid. He was one of my benchmarks. I always felt he was a great club was.” .
Five years at Chelsea with ups and downs. What balance does it make?
“I see it from a positive point of view. Every year we have fought for the best titles in Europe and in England. I have played with great players, I have won titles. Just like in life there are more difficult moments, but when I look back I see it as an experience for life.
Is your goal to stay?
“Hopefully. I’m here on loan. There’s time, but hopefully I can live up to that with my performance.”
Why the number 25?
“I chose 25 because 1 and 13 were caught. Happy to wear that number. I wouldn’t make comparisons with Casillas. What I do or stop will be to my credit and not in comparison to other goalkeepers.”
Courtois
“I have spoken to him. He is going through the worst part of football. I send him a lot of encouragement and wish him the best of recovery”
Was Real Madrid a thorn in your side after what happened in 2018?
“In football, these situations happen and you have to deal with them. I am very happy to be here today. The past cannot be changed, but you have to look to the future and the future is Real Madrid.”
Source: Goal