Christoph Metzelder has said that he feels honoured to
have joined Real Madrid during his presentation at the Santiago
Bernabéu on Wednesday.
The German international defender agreed to the move earlier this
year as his contract expired at Borussia Dortmund at the end of
last season.
Madrid completed the deal before the arrival of Bernd Schuster, but
Metzelder is just excited to have the chance to play for the
club.
"I would like to say I'm proud of being part of a club that does
everything in its power to sign the best players they can," he
said.
"They didn't have to pay that much for me because my contract with
Borussia Dortmund had already ended. Nevertheless, I don't think
these matters have much to do with my job.
"I have to find my own spot on the team. I arrived on Sunday and I
am already getting ready to play.
"I've obviously been signed for some special characteristics that I
have, such as playing well in aerial plays. I hope to help the team
in this aspect of the game.
"Nevertheless, there are many good players on defence and I am sure
that, with time, we will build a good defensive back line.
"I've signed a three year contract. I think every player and every
coach knows that this Club is very demanding. The great challenge
of playing for this Club will motivate me to do my best every day,
so I'm not too worried."
With Schuster's announcement that Madrid will play a more attacking
style of football next term, Metzelder knows that the pressure on
him to perform will be strong.
"I don't generally talk about teams I still don't know well, but I
do know Real Madrid have traditionally been an offensive side and
this style of playing sometimes makes trouble in defence," he
continued.
"Real Madrid's idea is to showcase great football, and that adds
extra responsibility to the job of the team's defenders. This is a
great challenge for me. I am 26 years old and proud of being on
this team.
"Those who know my CV will know that I have always taken on a
challenge. At 19, I went from playing in the Third Division to
playing in the First Division and I joined the German squad soon
after that.
"I was the youngest player in the 2002 World Cup. I have always
been ambitious and willing to take on a challenge. Mr. Klinsman has
probably helped me take this step. I am also working with an
American personal trainer to improve on my work. I have always been
this motivated."
Metzelder has played in the Bernabéu before when he was part of a
Borussia Dortmund side that were beaten by Real Madrid in the
Champions League.
"We lost 2-1, so I don't have fond memories of that game," he
joked.
"The crowd was amazing, though, and I remembered it a few moments
ago when I stepped onto the pitch during my presentation and saw
the fans. I very much want to play at the Bernabéu again, this time
as a Real Madrid player."
Despite having a compatriot as head coach, Metzelder does not
believe that he will receive any preferential treatment as Madrid
wanted him before Schuster took over.
"Schuster hasn't been the talk of the town in Germany for a few
years, but his work is well known amongst people in the football
world," Metzelder stated.
"I have been following the Spanish League and I know he has been
quite successful on smaller clubs. Real Madrid fans know him very
well and I'm sure he will do his best to please them. I think the
Club has done well to sign him.
"The Club contacted me when Bernd Schuster wasn't the coach yet, so
I don't think his being the coach has been key for my signing. I'm
sure it will help me to have him as coach, but I don't precisely
think it would be a great advantage.
"My job is to find my own place on the team and to do what's
expected of me. It is an honour for me to be here at Real
Madrid."
