First up, a question. Do you all prefer that I post more regularly, but with little and/or superficial news, or only post when there is substantial news?
No, no and no: Sergio tweeted this photo of him in a Rajon Rondo Celtics jersey, no doubt a souvenir from La Roja’s trip to Boston. The jersey itself isn’t bad (and it could be worse, it could be a Lakers jersey, since many Spaniards like them because of Pau Gasol, though I personally dislike them a lot), it’s the rest of the styling that makes me laugh, from the cuffed denim shorts to the gold-accented sneakers. However, it’s so typical Sergio, no? As is the pose. I love the sunglasses though!
There’s only one place to be this summer: Sergio was also wearing that cap – his new favorite (he was wearing it throughout La Roja’s Americas tour too) – while vacationing in Formentera. And a pair of short shorts (thank you Sergio).
Meanwhile, Mesut Özil decided to go for a pair of flowery swim trunks, and a Gucci cap. I wonder if all the LV and Gucci things ever get mixed up in the locker room?
Thanks to everyone who sent in these photos of Sergio and Mesut in the Baleares. If they belong to you and you would like credit, let me know.
Sandro Rosell doesn’t know when to shut up/laugh of the day: the latest from Barcelona’s president, who doesn’t know the meaning of the words “dignified” and “silence.” He spoke to TV3’s “Ágora” program, and here are some of the things he said. Regarding Mou, Rosell said, “for me, Mourinho is not the best coach in the world. He received an award in the Ballon d’Or gala only because he won a champions.” He added, “Pep works for Barça and that señor (Mou) works for his team. It’s only an issue for us if he exceeds the limits and talks about Barcelona.” That’s funny, Mou hasn’t said anything recently, and all Rosell has done in the last week is blab on about him. Obsessed much?. He also said he was sure that Busquets did not racially insult Marcelo, that Barcelona’s values are compatible with that of the Qatar Foundation because “in Qatar, people are happy, it’s not a dictatorship” and threatened to break off relations if Madrid once again “exceeds the limits.”
Cris in Turkey: Cristiano spoke with Turkish paper “Vatan” while in Turkey, and there were some fun parts.
on being in perfect physical shape (and asked if that’s due to working out more and going out less than the others): no, I work like everyone else. There are people who think I love partying, but it’s not like that. I go to sleep early because sleep is very important for me.
on managing all his money: I keep it in a special bank account.
on the effects of a sentimental relationship on a footballer [Irina has entered the room and Cris is looking at her]: if a player is happy, he plays well. Love has a deep impact on a player and makes this happiness a possibility.
on whether he’s in love: yes, of course.
How sweet!!!
There’s no Guti because… Besiktas mixed up the dates of the Trofeo Bernabéu. They thought it was on July 24, and that’s why they accepted. They’ve sent an apology letter to Madrid explaining this.
I miss him already: Jerzy Dudek spoke with AS recently, and had some very nice things to say.
on his current plans: I accepted the role of Euro ambassador that my country offered me. I would prefer to live in Krakow over Warsaw, because it’s a more comfortable, tranquil and prettier city. I haven’t decided whether to retire yet, my wife has to give her opinion, because I have offers from England and Turkey, so that would mean another move. If I continue playing, it’s to show that I can be a great starting goalkeeper. I believe there’s a undersupply of goalkeepers in Europe.
on his kids: I decided to leave Real Madrid because my contract ended, but my kids didn’t like it. I have a 14-year-old who studies in Madrid and he has a girlfriend. He loves life in Spain… there’s no way to convince him to leave Madrid!
on his role in Madrid: I assumed my role starting on the first day. I knew that I was going to be Casillas’ back-up and from that position, I had to help the team, on the field and in the locker room. If my attitude was able to serve as an example and if I gained the affection of the fans and my teammates, then I can say that I fulfilled my duties.
on Iker: Casillas is out of this world. He has been and will be a lifelong friend. For me, he’s the authentic leader and boss of the team: he doesn’t speak much, he doesn’t need to raise his voice. He speaks in short and precise phrases. But when Iker says something, it’s a sentence. He has such a desire to win that he never wants to rest… Iker never stops, he only wants to continue breaking records and winning titles.
on his jaw injury: I have a souvenir from Madrid for the rest of my life. Sometimes it still hurts me.
on Mourinho: listen to what I’m going to say. Mou signifies the future for Real Madrid. He’s the ideal professional to re-order the club’s sporting area. Madrid needed someone with personality and a clear philosophy.