Juan Carlos looks back at his debut

On Wednesday, Juan Carlos Pérez returned to the place where his dreams came true on Sunday night, the Santiago Bernabéu:  He spoke with realmadrid.com (English version; I translated from the Spanish version) about his experience that night, and it’s pretty adorable!

on the call-up: I was overjoyed.  I didn’t expect it, and I hadn’t even brought clothes!  They had to lend me a sweat suit.

on David Mateos: “Mateos told me that I was going to play, but I said it would be impossible.  We made a bet for a meal and I lost, but I’m more than happy to pay up!

on entering the locker room on game day: it’s impressive.  Many of the best players in history have passed through this room, because Real Madrid is the best club in the world.  It was an honor for me to change here and to do it next to such great players.

on sitting in the locker room: Mateos ceded his locker to me.  Last year, he was my teammate, and he continues to be an example to follow, and it was an honor to sit in his locker.  I waited for Mourinho to tell me if I should get dressed or go into the stands.

what, no picture next to the fire extinguisher?  I would have loved to see that!

on entering the Bernabéu: it’s impressive going down the stairs into the tunnel that leads to the stadium, thinking about what you’re going to see when you get to the end.  I hugged my teammates as I passed through, and wished them luck.  When I came out into the stadium, I was at a loss for words.  I didn’t know where to look.  It was incredible.  The deepest impression I have was entering and seeing the stadium, and the people cheering on the team.

on his time spent on the bench: I remember perfectly which seat I occupied on the bench, between Lass and Adán.  Two other canteranos were near me, Granero and Arbeloa, who knew better than anyone what I was feeling.

on getting the signal from Mourinho: he asked me if I wanted to play and if I was nervous.  I told him no and he sent me to warm up.  On the sideline, the fans were shouting my name and cheering me on.  It made me very happy; I’m very grateful.  Later on, Mourinho told me to stay calm, to be ambitious and to do what I know how to do, and that I would do well.

on entering the game: Di María gave me a hug and wished me a lot of luck as he came out.  Having the entire stadium applauding you is an incredible feeling.  I don’t have words to describe it.  I decided to stay calm and do things well, since I know that not everyone gets this sort of opportunity.

on his teammates: after the game, everyone congratulated me and told me that I deserved it, that I did very well, and to have a lot of ambition and to continue working like I had been.  I have to continue working hard with Castilla, which is my team, and be there for them 100% as if none of this had happened.

on the cantera: Mourinho has counted on the canteranos from the time he arrived.  This is what Real Madrid needed.

on the rest of the season: the team is having a great season.  They’ve started well both in the Liga and the Champions.  I hope they win a lot of titles.

Rest of the pictures here!

I really hope Juan Carlos (and other canteranos) will continue to have opportunities to play for the first team.  I remember so many canteranos who debut, do photo sessions/interviews like this one, and then disappear, i.e. they were discarded by Madrid.