Dudek at realmadrid.com

Marca was not the only one to interview Jerzy Dudek on (or close to) his special day.  This interview ran on Madrid’s web site yesterday.

Q:  Are you enjoying your birthday?
It’s been a really nice day so far.  All my teammates wished me a happy birthday when I entered the dressing room this morning and they brought a cake.  I will never forget it.

Q:  37 years old and you’re still as excited about football as someone who’s just started playing.

A:  Goalkeepers are like good wine, they get better with age (laughs).

Q:  What have you taught Casillas and what have you learned from him?

A:  I like his winning mentality.  He’s very intelligent and is motivated for each game.  He also has great reflexes and moves very fast on the goal line.  I try to help him with my experience, although he also has more than enough.

Q: Who on this team has surprised you the most?

A:  A lot of them.  Xabi Alonso and I were teammates in Liverpool and so I know he’s a very complete player.  Cristiano Ronaldo is strong and fast.  Higuaín is a goalscoring machine.  Sergio Ramos and Albiol are strong and solid…

Q:  Is it very difficult to stop one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kicks?

A:  Iker and I are very happy that he’s on our team (laughs)… his free kicks are nightmares for goalkeepers.

Q:  What are you learning in Madrid?

A:  I’m learning a lot.  Madrid is a great club… with such great players, you learn something every day.  I also like the Spanish culture and my family is very happy to be here.

Q:  What is your birthday wish?

A:  To win the Liga, without a doubt.  For me, for my teammates and for the fans.  I want to celebrate in Cibeles again, since the celebration of my first Liga was fantastic.