I would have made things up if I had to in order to use this fantastic picture…
One. Iker told Punto Radio (they did a special on Real Madrid in honor of Iker winning their protagonist award) that José Mourinho is the “maximum authority” of the team and that all the players are with him: “the míster is the maximum authority of the team. The president is that of the club, but of the team it’s Mourinho, and he has to stay calm, because the players are with him.”
Emilio Butragueño also showed his support towards Mou, saying, “he’s an affable and very affectionate man, and those who are close to him are happy. He’s a professional in all meanings of the word.”
Two. Iker and Figo visited both Marca and AS yesterday to drum up interest in their football 7 charity game.
We found out that the line-ups still have not been finalized, although the game is tomorrow. However, it looks a bit like it will like the Real Madrid of 2001-02, with Iker, Figo, Zidane, Hierro and Guti out there… However, VDB will not be on the bench, although he was originally scheduled to be, because he has another commitment outside Madrid, and because tomorrow is also his 60th birthday! He will be replaced by Luis Aragonés, with the other coach being Míchel, who could have played if he weren’t suffering from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Busi will be the only representative from Barcelona, Sergio Ramos and Fernando Llorente were scheduled to participate but won’t due to injury, although Iker said they would try and support the initiative from the stands, and that Raúl (!!!) was also invited, but had to decline.
At AS, Iker – who probably recently attended a class on “how to incorporate a scarf into any outfit” – cut the roscón de Reyes (a type of cake eaten during the Christmas holiday; you can see it in the picture right in front of Iker) and passed out pieces to everyone, devouring his in two bites. Watch a video here (includes close-ups of the scarf). And at Marca, Luis and Iker participated in a chat. Hit up the link to read the entire thing (in Spanish), but I’ve translated the most interesting Q&A below.
Q: Who will play on your team?
Iker: We still haven’t decided yet. Luis called up people who are a bit more veteran and so we’ll have to balance things out a bit, jajaja.
Q: Figo, if you had the opportunity, would you take a penalty a la Panenka against Iker?
Figo: I’ve never taken a penalty against Iker. If the opportunity arises, I won’t allow anyone else take it.
Q: I’ve read that 25% of the proceeds from this game will go to Iker’s foundation. Can you explain a little more about it?
Iker: The foundation is new, and we would like to start a series of activities for homeless people and families in need.
Q: What emotional differences do you feel playing a game for such a great cause and such an important game like a final?
Iker: If I’m sincere, this game, and don’t get me wrong, makes me as excited as playing in the final of the World Cup.
Back to me: in Spain, even if you can’t attend, you can still help out by making a donation. The “fila cero” Banco Santander account number is 0049-1917-43-2410015320.
Three. And Iker will be the star of the last commercial aired on Spanish television in 2010, as he stars in a Mahou ad that will be shown right before midnight on Dec. 31. The ad recreates a dinner between Iker and his lifelong friends, and is “a tribute to the real heroes who keep this country going every day.”
According to Mahou, Iker was chosen because he’s “an authentic symbol of hard work and dedication, and with his lifelong friends, shows that everyday heroes are the most important ones.”
The commercial will begin to air on Thursday, and be kept on air until the beginning of January.
It’s very sweet, touching and perfect for those nostalgic days at the end of the year, and I love it! Plus, Iker narrates it, so you get the added bonus of seeing him and hearing him.