Following his presentation as a new Real Madrid player, Kepa spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City. The goalkeeper said: “It’s a very happy and special day for me, for all of my family, friends and loved ones. I’m happy and proud to be part of Real Madrid. It’s a day I want to enjoy and share with those closest to me”.
“It’s a proud moment to be a part of Real Madrid with all its legacy and all its history. I’ve always followed LaLiga and I’ve grown up watching Casillas playing in goal for Madrid. He was one of my role models and when I watched Madrid, he was the one I watched. It’s a great, historic club and I’m proud to belong to it”.
Maturity
“I’m coming here more mature and in one of the best periods of my sporting career after a great year. I’m ready for the challenge. I can assure you that I’ll never be short of commitment and hard work. It’s been an intense few days, but when I had the opportunity to join Real Madrid, I was sure of everything”.
Doing my best for Real Madrid
“You can’t predict what’s going to happen in football and we don’t know what’s about to happen tomorrow. Football is football and it’s ever-changing. I’m focused at all times, wherever I am, keeping my senses and giving 100 per cent. I’m now ready to give 100 per cent for Real Madrid“.
The call from Real Madrid
“It was a very easy decision. I had other proposals from big clubs, but when I was told that I had this opportunity it was all quite quick and easy. I got a call after training a couple of days ago and it all started. Everything went very quickly from then on. The first person I told was my wife. I was with her and we were very happy”.
Shirt number
“I chose 25 because 1 and 13 were taken by Courtois and Lunin. I’m happy to wear 25. I don’t want to compare. I’m here to forge my own path and make my own name. What I do or don’t do will be down to my name, not because of comparisons with other goalkeepers”.
“I’ve spoken to Courtois and he’s going through the worst thing in football: injuries. I would like to send him a lot of strength, courage and the very best of recoveries. Hopefully he will be back on the pitch soon”.
Experience
“The years and experiences in football toughen you up. I’ve been through all kinds of situations and I’ve always tried to focus on the good things, even when the situation wasn’t the best. I’ve gathered all the good things I’ve achieved over the years and I’m looking forward to showing it”.
Real Madrid, the king of Europe
“I’m not under pressure due to that sentence I said, I still think the same. I wasn’t at Real Madrid, I thought they were the best and I still do. When I was at Chelsea we played against them in the last three Champions League campaigns, and I thought they were the best because I experienced it. We all agree with that”.
Teammates in the national team
“I’ve had Real Madrid teammates in the national team. Not in recent times, but over the last few years I’ve asked questions, I’ve had conversations and I’ve continued to get that feedback. From the outside, what you see is amazing and when you meet people who have been here for so long, it reinforces that”.
Chelsea
“The time at Chelsea is a positive one for me. I was a part of a great club for five years, we fought for the biggest trophies every year, both in Europe and domestically, I had the chance to play with great players and win trophies”.
“It’s the first day today and I’m here on loan, but we’ll have time and we’ll see what happens. I hope that I can stay thanks to my hard work and performance”.
Future
“These things happen in football and ultimately we have to deal with them as we go along. I’m very happy to be here. My career has gone one way in the past and you can’t change that. What you can change is the future and the future is Real Madrid“.
Butragueño: “You will achieve the successes you dream of wearing this jersey”
“As our president has said, you are welcomed to Real Madrid as well as your whole family. We will do everything we can to ensure that you’re very happy here with us. We’re confident that with your talent and hard work you will achieve the success you dream of with this jersey”.
