Real Madrid season opening
The season of presentations at Real Madrid starts. The first one is Jesús Vallejo, who is making his debut at the Santiago Bernabéu on Friday. After a great season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, the former Real Zaragoza player poses as the new Madrid player.
This morning, after passing the medical examination, the defender signed his contract and posed with his new shirt next to Florentino Perez. Then, the event started in the honor box of the Madrid stadium, where a video of the player was projected in the first place.
The president of Real Madrid took the word first to welcome his new signing: "We work to perfect this team. We have a great squad but we want to take a step further. Our record is the greatest in the history of football. We always seek the best and we want to incorporate new players, which is a challenge. Today we have the satisfaction of introducing a player who has all the conditions to succeed in Real Madrid. Jesus, this stadium is, from today, your home. You will not be alone. Everyone who works in this club will be here. Also the fans, who know that wearing this shirt is a pride for you. Today you begin the greatest adventure of your professional career. Just like Di Stefano did, who left us three years ago today. We remember him with emotion. Being a player of Real Madrid is the dream of thousands of players and you have achieved it. Welcome to Real Madrid. Take care of the ball and let's win."
#WelcomeVallejo
Jesús Vallejo #RealMadrid #HalaMadrid— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 7, 2017
Then it was the turn of the player: "Thank you all for attending and for the club's trust. I will try to repay this trust. There is still a long way to go. I am sure that with the humility and work that my parents instilled in me, I hope to be here for many years because this is the best club in the world. Happy to take on this responsibility. I will defend this shield and this shirt. Thank you very much and Hala Madrid."
Subsequently, the player posed with the shirt next to Florentino Perez for photographers and television, and also with his family. Then he went to the field to give his first touches to his fans.
Press conference
After his debut on the field, Jesús Vallejo went to the press room, where he spoke to the media. These have been the answers to the questions asked by the different reporters present:
First day: "It is one of the happiest days of my life, I am enjoying it with my family. It's something unique."
Number 3 jersey: "It's a number that was available, it's an honor to wear the jersey that Pepe wore. I chose it myself."
Zidane: "I have not spoken to him, I do not know him personally. I am looking forward to the season starting and to be under his orders."
Relationship with Real Madrid U21 players: "We have a great relationship. They tell me that being a Real Madrid player is something very special. On one hand, the pride of belonging to this club and on the other hand, the responsibility it entails."
Goal: "To give my best. Try to help the team. I don't have individual goals, only collective ones. Football is about everyone giving their best for the team."
Two-year process: "I have not become impatient. Of course, I wanted to be here, but I respected the loan deals and they helped me grow. I have improved a lot, I am still in that process. They have been two great experiences. Zaragoza is my home and I am also very grateful to Eintracht."
Philosophy of signing young players: "It is a positive thing, it makes everyone ready, people with enthusiasm. I am delighted to be here."
A role model, Nacho? "Of course he is an example. Being here is not easy, but all the central defenders of the team, they all have a lot of quality but also a lot of work. They have been until now and will continue to be."
Captain at 18 years old in Zaragoza: "It was a decision made by everyone, the coach and the teammates. At the same time, I tried to learn from the older players. It was an incredible experience because I grew a lot."
Starting lineup: "Yes, of course. We all have to aspire to be better every day, to compete better. I will give my best and then the coach will decide."
Marco Asensio, another example: "Yes, he is too. I tell him that. I asked him a lot about this. He left Mallorca, played very well at Espanyol and then had a great season here."
What does Real Madrid mean to you? "It is the most important club in the world. The values that Real Madrid transmits, of effort, of giving everything until the end, of great comebacks... That is fundamental to me."