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Iker, 2009 has been a glorious year for you, having been part of Spanish football when Spain was
crowned European Champion, having lifted that Cup - what are your recollections?
Innumerable memories, and particularly good ones too.
I believe that after 44 years Spanish football has returned to the place it truly deserves.
It was a sporting and human achievement that involved the entire team. For me,
it was a personal pleasure to lift that Cup and this photo has recorded the moment for posterity.
As you know, players vote freely in the FIFPro,
which ensures the validity of their choice? How do you feel about that?
After such a long time in professional football and over ten years with Real Madrid, I’m personally delighted
to be considered and selected as one of the world’s best players of the year.
It motivates me to try to repeat the performance in the coming year.
I also want to thank all my professional colleagues for voting me into this year’s FIFPro world eleven.
We know you to be very supportive of social causes, as indeed is FIFPro.
What are your hopes and expectations regarding these ongoing initiatives in 2010?
Benefiting from the fact that as footballers we are well-known within our countries,
to try to improve young people’s lives through football. Concentrating on the game at
school can keep their minds off other potentially negative things. Exploiting the positive aspects
of football is a cause where we professionals can become more involved.
I’ve been following your activities and seen you with children in Africa.
As the world becomes more conscious of Africa,
is it your aim to be part of that reality by way of support?
It’s an idea I’ve had for a long time now - trying to help these people who have nothing.
In my trips to Africa, I’ve only had positive experiences. Being a footballer and playing for Real Madrid
has given me access to challenging places that otherwise would have been inaccessible to me.
The influence that Real Madrid has worldwide is unbelievable.
This is something that we as players have to appreciate and exploit to the maximum to benefit those who need it most.
I know that FIFPro engagement in Africa is unique and that we can count on you
to support initiatives that involve children. Here at today’s gala players we have players from Africa,
some of whom are going to start new unions in Africa. Your influence on the players nowadays is a significant one.
Let me wish you all the best for your own future in 2010 and to ask you for a personal Christmas message.
How about it?
Simply to say what one usually does at this time of year.
To wish everyone a Happy Christmas in the company of their loved ones,
and to hope that we can meet again here in 2010. That would show that
we are not only doing well on the sport side, but also in terms of health, which is even more important.
There is a song called “Oh Happy Day”
You’re not asking me to sing it, are you?
No way!
Thank heavens for that!
Just that today is a happy day for all of us. Iker, many congratulations and good luck!
Many thanks to you all.