"I'll fight for a spot in the line-up"

Drenthe: "I'll work hard to prove I'm worthy of playing for Real Madrid"

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Manuel Arcedillo

Royston Drenthe talked about his team-mates and the up-coming season in a press conference held after the training session.

What’s your opinion on Sneijder’s situation?
He’s a good footballer and a nice guy. It’s a decision from the Club and I can’t comment on that. He’s training well, but the squad can’t do anything about his situation.

At the end of last season many people thought you were going to leave Real Madrid but finally you remain in the squad…
It’s normal to talk about releasing players at the end of each season, but I always believed I would stay here. I signed a five-year contract and I want to have much success here. I’m working hard, as the rest of my team-mates.

What’s your role in the team this season?
The coach has talked to me and he is happy about my performance. There are many quality players and there will be tough competitors for each spot in the line-up, but I’m willing to fight for one of them.

This will be your third season at the Club. Is your period of adaptation over?
I feel at home in the country, in the city and at the Club. There are many new players and I’m happy with them too.

What advice could you give to Cristiano Ronaldo to ease his adaptation?
Cristiano is very professional and he has no need for advice. I don’t think he’s having any problems. You always need some time to adapt to a new team, but all the new signings feel fine.

How’s Sneijder getting on?
Naturally, he isn’t happy, but I can’t talk about that. He’s my friend.

Does the squad want Sneijder to stay?
We don’t talk about that. It’s a difficult situation for everyone.

Do you feel comfortable playing as left back?
Yes, although I don’t know if I’ll be in the starting line-up because there are many players. I’ve played many minutes during the preseason and that’s important for me.

You look happy after leaving behind difficult moments. What has changed for you?
I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I know I have enough quality to play for this Club. I belong to Real Madrid and I want to prove I’m worthy of it.

Has Real Madrid reached a level similar to Barcelona’s?
There are many new players, but we’ve built a team. We’ve worked hard in preseason and now we must wait for the official games to analyse the team.

How’s your music coming along?
I take it easy. I like doing music, but I’m focused on football. I’m always listening to my iPod and whenever I have time I record something at the studio. I write music mostly at home.

The Champions League draw is on Thursday. Do you have any preferences?
I only care about winning games, although it’s not an easy thing to do. There are many tough teams out there, but if we’re in good shape we can overtake them because our side is very strong.

How do you feel about the start of La Liga?
Our first game is against Deportivo La Coruña. Last season we also made our debut against them and they defeated us at their stadium. It’s an important match, but I think we’ll achieve a good level throughout the season.

Do you have more laughs with Kaka or with Cristiano?
I have laughs with both, and with the rest of the team too. It seems to me as if the new players have been in the squad for a long time. We are all very happy.

by:kill bane