Madrid (EFE) ’14’.
A surprising decision since the Frenchman Karim Benzema left the ‘9’ free after his departure to Al Itthad Saudi, a number that Joselu used to wear in his previous teams, and after Florentino Pérez himself, president of Real Madrid, assured that he will not undertake more signings in the current transfer market.
A ’14’ that last season had no owner in the white team, after the departure of Brazilian Carlos Henrique Casemiro to Manchester United in August.
Before it was worn by another striker, the Mexican Chicharito Hernández in the 2014-2015 season. In addition, other attackers who wore that number at Real Madrid were Raúl González in 1994-1995 and Emilio Butragueño from 1993 to 1995.
For his part, Joselu posed for the first time with his new shirt after passing the pertinent medical examination.
Joselu: “The number is something secondary”
Joselu assured, in reference to his choice of the number ’14’ instead of the ‘9’, which is still free, that “the number is something secondary”, at the same time that he expressed that he is not “who to say” if the group madridista is going to sign another player.
“Any number is important and I am super proud to be able to wear any number. Every player would do everything possible to wear this shirt and the number is something secondary, ”he said at a press conference.
“I come to help and contribute what I have learned. I’m not the one to say if someone else is coming. I want to start training now. I come to help as much as possible, ”she assured.
In addition, he spoke about his comparison with the Frenchman Karim Benzema.
“I am not here to replace anyone. I come to put my grain of sand and put everything that has turned on these years; and to enjoy. We all know the level that Karim has had at this club, one of the best strikers in the world, but I come to do a different type of work”, he commented.
“I am a more physical player, I like to be in the area more… everything I have learned playing in two of the best leagues in the world. At the level of numbers, I have been among the best at the national level and I want to convey all of this here and I will be available to the coach for whatever he asks of me, ”he continued.
“I know what I can contribute individually and as a group, I’ll stick with that. I will talk to the coach and I will adapt to what he asks of me, ”she assured.
“I want to thank you for being here. What I like to do is score goals. We have a good enough squad so that other teammates can score, but I’ve scored goals all my career and I don’t think it won’t be like that now”, he completed.
A Joselu who explained how his arrival at Real Madrid from Espanyol came about.
“The return to Real Madrid always tastes good. There is no better time than this. On a personal level, it catches me at a very good moment, but it’s not important. Being able to enjoy and experience these moments is special for any player in the world”, he pointed out.
“This was closed a few days ago. I didn’t tell my children anything until the last minute because you never know what can happen. When the interest comes, it’s what I’ve dreamed of all my life. My children and my wife still can’t believe it. We want to enjoy the moment,” she said.
Florentino: “One of our great homegrown players returns to Real Madrid”
Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, valued the striker as “one” of the club’s “great homegrown players” who “has managed to build a brilliant career in football.”
“In this Sports City, of which all Real Madrid fans feel proud, the talent and quality of the players are valued, and something that is essential for us: our values. Our youth academy is an example of work, camaraderie, self-improvement, humility, respect and solidarity. For Real Madrid, its youth system has been essential throughout its history.
This shirt has been defended by the best players in the world and our best homegrown players”, began Florentino at the presentation ceremony for Joselu, who arrives on loan from Espanyol.
“That is why today is a day in which all Real Madrid fans are very happy, one of our great homegrown players who has managed to build a brilliant career in football returns to Real Madrid. We welcome a goalscorer who has just won the League of Nations. Congratulations on this great victory, with which you have made us all happy, ”he continued.
“I know very well what this moment means for you and your family. Welcome to Real Madrid. You are one of our homegrown players who has triumphed in the world of football, thanks to your talent, quality and those values that have accompanied you throughout your career. Here you learned never to give up. This hallmark is what has made Real Madrid the most loved and admired club in the world”, he highlighted.
“Your career, as one of the great scorers in our football, has made you play in the three major leagues, scoring 90 goals. That scoring hallmark has always characterized you”, pointed out the president of Real Madrid.
“Dear Joselu, you are endorsed by more than 150 goals. Now you return to Real Madrid after playing for a beloved club like Espanyol and being the top Spanish scorer in the League; numbers that have led you to the Spanish team, being important against Italy and Croatia, ”he declared.