Raúl: “You learn from mistakes”

Iker Casillas, Ander Herrera, Joaquín, Fernando Torres or Carlos Soler have something in common. Beyond their skills with a soccer ball, they are sponsors of some of the 13 ‘Cruyff Courts’ that are born as a result of the alliance between the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation and the Cruyff Foundation. Now they will have a new member to add to the family: Raúl González Blanco. The legendary Seven of Real Madrid and now coach of Castilla did the honors this Monday, inaugurating the ‘Cruyff Court Raúl González’, located in Madrid’s Colonia Marconi, on Calle Principal, the district where the court’s godfather grew up.

“We create spaces for children to play and practice sports”. Under this premise the Johan Cruyff Foundation was born. In 1995, one of Johan’s dreams, connecting children through sport, materialized and since his death in 2016, the initiative continues. The foundation has several projects in constant development and one of them is the aforementioned ‘Cruyff Courts’. Free-use soccer fields for children and young people, based on values ​​such as inclusion and social cohesion. An expanding initiative, which already adds 277 fields in 20 different countries, to which the Castilian coach has wanted to join, who has highlighted his illusion that he has opted for the place where he gave “his first kicks to a ball”.

Raúl was accompanied by Susila Cruyff (president of his father’s foundation), Pati Roura (director), Alejandro Fernández (commercial manager of the Corporate Area of ​​the ‘Fundación La Caixa’), Concepción Chapa Monteagudo (president councilor of the District of Villaverde ) and Begoña Villacís, deputy mayor of the Madrid City Council, who has collaborated in the creation of the space to which the Madrid legend gives its name. While the Cruyff Foundation contributes 145,000 euros for its construction. In addition to Ginés Carvajal, representative of Raúl, and Emilio Butragueno, director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid, also attended the event. After a presentation, Raúl, surrounded by excited children, took the microphone before playing ball with them. He threw some penalties, signed autographs and endless photographs with those present, to return to respond to the media before the closing of the event.

Raul

What was here when you were a child?: “What was there? Before there was nothing here (laughs). It has changed a lot. Colonia Marconi was already very devalued and almost no one lived there. Since then, projects have begun to be built. It is a pride to be part of this initiative by Johan Cruyff. One of the best in history. There are no rivalries. I am also very excited to do it here, where I gave my first saves to a ball. I am delighted to be the godfather of a space of this type, where children they can develop.

The space: “Having something like this is health, physical and mental. You have to take care of it, enjoy it, have a good time and I’m delighted to be here”.

Do you dream of coaching the first team?: “My dream is day to day, which is to be a coach. I’m at Castilla, I’m a club person. It has nothing to do with the dream of a player and that of a coach. At the moment I’m enjoying and learning and I’m disposition of the club for what you need”.

Xavi: “He was already a coach when he played. He is doing very well, he has a very good future and present and time will put everyone in their place. He puts passion into it and knows the club. It will do well for him”.

Castilla’s offside against Linense: “These are circumstances, we are here now to talk about this project and you know that I don’t like to talk about the referees. The other day I didn’t talk either. These are circumstances, we have to adapt, and my job is to help the Castilla boys so that they fulfill their dream of being professionals”.

Do you see Madrid eliminating Chelsea?: “Of course, we are first and in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The team is ready and the most beautiful moment of the season begins. Where everything will be decided”.

Advice: “You have to have passion. I liked football, but you also have to study. You can learn from everyone, give your best every day and enjoy space. Let them excel and dare. Don’t stop trying. mistake is learned”.

What has soccer taught you? “Everything. It’s been my life. It helped me relate to each other. To have good friends. When I was little I dreamed and I didn’t imagine reaching that level. Now as a coach I try to educate my boys. Football helps you to be a better person”.

Butragueño: “You have to respect the coach, the referee”

Emilio Butragueño also wanted to dedicate a few words to the boys: “You all know how much love Johan had and the fact that Raúl sponsors this place is very important to us. Raúl is one of Real Madrid’s best players. Raúl is what he is because of values ​​that are identified with Madrid and that is what we try to convey to you. Soccer is a game, but also a training tool. I’m going to give you three pieces of advice: I respect the coach, the referee (laughs) and your family. Every day we can improve. I congratulate the Foundation, Johan would be proud.”