Dublin - Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez is excited about the team's new season, and he stressed Tuesday that he does not feel threatened by the recent signings of world-class attacking players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema. In the first day of Real Madrid's pre-season training camp in Dublin, the veteran striker faced reporters to say he will fight for a place in the team.
"Every season you have to fight. I have been fighting for 15 years. But the higher your team-mates' level, the higher yours will be, and the group is the main thing," Raul said.
Indeed, for several seasons there has been talk of new signings relegating the veteran to the bench, but that has not happened so far. This year, speculation is even greater, since Real Madrid have splashed out on top strikers.
"I am really looking forward to working, to being in the best possible form and to helping the team. Rivalry is good to help the team and what I expect is for all of us to be in top form," Raul said.
"There are going to be a lot of matches. There will be chances for everyone and everyone is going to give their best."
As captain, Raul has the mission of facilitating the integration of new players, like Cristiano Ronaldo.
"He looks great to me, very happy," he said of Ronaldo. "I see that he is very looking forward to tackling what is a very important challenge for him, and both his team-mates and the rest of the club are going to help him to do his best."
