The Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has shown his excitement for wearing the number 1 number that Iker Casillas , his "idol" and the one that made him "want to play as a goalkeeper" have worn, and has claimed that in the white club it represents an opportunity to "grow", even though it is not guaranteed a title for which it is "prepared".

"I've talked about it with my friends and my family. This number represents a lot, like Iker Casillas, who was one of my idols and made me want to play as a goalkeeper . I have his shirts. It's a nice number and then I'll have to prove that I am number one, "he said at the press conference of his presentation, in which he appeared with the director of institutional relations of the club, Emilio Butragueño .

The Frenchman, who arrives at the Madrid entity on loan from a campaign by Paris Saint-Germain, explained that this is " a very happy day ", since from now on he will be able to "closely contemplate" the history of Real Madrid. "It was a great opportunity to reach the biggest club in the world and take advantage of this year to grow as a player and enjoy a new experience," he said.

In addition, Areola said he is prepared to take on the pressure that surrounds the "biggest club in the world " and where "everyone demands results." "They have told me a little about the pressure there is, but I have to show the level I have," he said.

However, he did not want to reveal if Zinédine Zidane has explained to him if he will be a substitute for Thibaut Courtois or if they will have the same opportunities. "What we talk between the coach and I stays in the locker room. I will have to be prepared to take a great level and win games and titles," he said, before pointing out that he has received "very well." " If I have the opportunity to play, I will play and do well, " he added.

In spite of everything, the French goalkeeper recognizes that there is a "hierarchy". "My goal is to do my best every day in training and be prepared for when I can demonstrate my level," he said, before discussing what makes him different from Courtois. "He is left-handed, I am right-handed. The first contact has been very good. There will always be opportunities, and when there are any I will have to demonstrate my level," he said.

On the other hand, he got rid of praise for his new coach. "I arrive at a club trained by a legend in France like Zidane . It is an honor to play at your service and I will give it my all," he said, aware that if he does not have minutes he could stop going to the French team. "It is true that if I do not have many minutes it will be more complicated, but I will be prepared to give the maximum," he said.

In the spotlight is also winning the 'Champions'. "Why not? In the museum I have seen the European Cup trophies, and seeing them in person makes them want to get them. To get it we will have to work hard, be competitive," he warned.

In another order of things, Areola refused to talk about the future of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé , whom he has linked to the white club. "I have not spoken to him because he was injured at the last concentration. I have known him since he was 16, he has always been my captain. He is a great person with a great quality," he said of the Manchester United player. "The only thing I have talked about with Kylian is that he will recover soon from his injury. In the future we will see what can happen . He has his story, I have mine, and I will write a great story in Real Madrid. ", he finished on the striker of Paris Saint-Germain.

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  • Real Madrid
  • Zinedine Zidane
  • Thibaut Courtois
  • Iker Casillas
  • Courtois
  • Manchester United
  • Paul Pogba
  • France
  • Fitness News

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