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| Screenshot Russian Newspaper, Dailysports.ru |
(http://www.sportsdaily.ru/articles/napadayuschiy-al-sadda-raul-gostyam-katara-budet-luchshe-esli-chm-proydet-zimoy-58570).
The Spaniard gave an exclusive interview to Doha-based journalist Anna Lidster (to follow her on twitter http://www.twitter.com/AShlyakhtenko)
Here are some of the best quotes from the interview with the legendary number 7:
About living in Qatar
“I enjoy my life in Qatar. I played for 19 years in Europe, 17 years with Real Madrid then two in Germany with Schalke 04, and now I am focusing more on the quality of life and on spending more time with my family. My family and I are enjoying our stay in here and at the same time, I continue to play football.”
“Al Saad is a big team in Qatar and the level of the league is improving step by step. In February, we will kick off our AFC Champions League campaign, and I think it will be a big motivation for me. I hope the team will play well.”
About the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the summer vs. winter issue
“In my opinion it’s better to play in winter, anytime between October and March, I think the weather in November will be perfect.”
“The weather is extremely hot in the months of May, June and July, actually I played in July during the preseason and the humidity was too high. I am sure the players and fans will have no problems inside the stadiums with the planned technology for the event, but in winter they will have the extra privilege of enjoying Qatar itself.”
About 2014? rumors on the web? Is he joining New York Cosmos or returning to Madrid as a coach? Will he leave Qatar?
“Really did they said all that, honestly, I did not even know. I do not have a specific plan for 2014, my contract with Al Sadd runs for another six months; I will have to decide after three or four months if I will continue to play football or not.”
“I am happy here in Qatar, and I actually have to stay for one more year as I signed a contract with Aspire Academy, maybe I will continue to play football, I do not know yet, now I will play with Al Sadd in the Champions League, if I felt good I will continue to play.”
About his role at Aspire Academy
“I work with young players at the ages between 12 and 18 years old, the most talented players in the country. With the excellent facilities they have here and the good coaches, it is great conditions for the development of these young players; in my time here I saw players progressing very fast, the level of football will rise step by step and I think Qatar will have a very good national team at the 2022 World Cup.”
About his career, his Real Madrid days, being a living legend, does he miss the old days?
“I feel very privileged for being able to be a footballer; it was my childhood’s dream and I was lucky to play so many years in Real Madrid and to win the UEFA Champions League with them, also my experience with a big and popular club like Schalke 04 in Germany was amazing. I am incredibly glad that I was able to make many people happy.”
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| Schalke fans surround the Spanish legend in Doha |
About his hobbies outside the football field
"Of course, I have hobbies like everyone else, the main one is my family, my children. I have five of them, four boys and a girl and two of my boys play football at Aspire Academy. I also like cinema and walking."
About his family’s life in Doha
“The kids are very happy. There are British and American schools, and the schools here are very good. the weather is nice right now, so we can really enjoy our time”.
Anna Lidsteris a bilingual journalist based in Doha. She contributes for a number of newspapers and broadcasting companies in Russia, UK and Qatar; few of which are Sports daily newspaper St Petersburg (Russia), British newspaper Daily Mail and Doha-based broadcasting company Al Jazeera English.