Iker, his family and País Vasco

Iker was once again the cover boy of Marca yesterday (Jan. 16), accompanied by the words, to win in San Mamés, one has to suffer.  A lot more interesting was an article on the inside, about Iker, his family, and their relation with País Vasco.

José Luis, Iker’s father, worked as a guardia civil for three years in País Vasco, and he and his wife María del Carmen gave both their sons Basque names.  Although Iker was born in Madrid, he lived the first year of his life in Bilbao.  In addition, Iker’s debut as Real Madrid’s goalkeeper came in San Mamés.  Iker’s mother said that she suffers watching Iker:  when she hears TV announcers saying that someone is shooting a dangerous free kick against Madrid, she closes her eyes because she can’t bear to watch.  Meanwhile, Iker’s beard is a tribute to his father, who also wears one.