Inter

Crespo: Real Madrid Are The History Of Football

Real Madrid target Hernán Crespo granted an interview to Spanish daily AS, where he was probed about several subjects, although he declined to talk about his rumoured transfer to the Bernabéu.

Nov 19, 2008 7:29:14 AM

Photo Gallery

Zoom

CL: Inter in Moscow - Hernan Crespo

Teams

Players

Hernán Crespo

The Inter Milan frontman was one of the first names to make the list of potential targets for Real Madrid upon learning that their own hitman, Ruud van Nistelrooy will be ruled out for the rest of the season.

The rumours of Hernán Crespo’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu has since cooled off but Madrid-based daily, AS was still able to catch up with the Argentine for an interview, albeit with one stipulation: that he will not be asked about the transfer market.

The focal point of the discussion, ofcourse, was on the white club that had shown interest in him.

“I have always been excited about European and Spanish football. And when one speaks about Real Madrid, one always associates them with the history of the game,” he replied when asked about his perceptions of Los Merengues.

“When I visited the Bernabéu with Lazio (in the 2000-01 Champions League) we were full of fear and respect, because Madrid were enjoying their best period at that time.

“I brought my whole family there from Argentina and they saw me score at the Bernabéu, although we still lost 3-2. But I got to exchange jerseys with Luis Figo,” he beamed excitedly.

Crespo, Argentina’s second ever highest goalscorer behind only the legendary Gabriel Batistuta, proceeded to praise several of Los Blancos’ current stars.

“I first saw (Gonzalo) Higuaín at River Plate and I was convinced that he would become a great player. He thrilled me as a striker.

“Gago? Well, he has had to carry the burden of being compared to Fernando Redondo. Argentines always like to compare a young player with one in a similar position who has had to retire.

“And as for Raúl, he is a special player. Eventhough he is being criticised, Madrid always look to him when things turn ugly. I think his impact will be felt even more when he decides to end his playing career,” he surmised.

Finally, the former Chelsea striker revealed what it’s like to work under the Special One, Jose Mourinho.

“He is the best. From the outside, people only see his colourful persona. But on the inside, he is a normal, calm person who knows exactly what he wants. He is one of the best coaches I’ve had,” he concluded.

KS Leong