Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol has sought to defuse the various controversies engulfing the club.
The centre back, speaking at a ceremony in his former home city of Valencia, was first asked about the shock benching of goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the 3-2 defeat to Malaga last weekend.
“After ten years as a starter it is normal that what happened surprised everyone,” stated the Spanish international. “But there was too much controversy. Even Iker said the same. We should forget about these things and go out and do our best to win things in 2013.”
Albiol then addressed the speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected a new deal with Los Blancos.
“I don’t know whether he will renew or not. But Cristiano is the best in the world, and we want him to be with us for as long as possible.”
He was also asked about fellow defender Pepe’s claim that Portuguese players are discriminated against. .
“I don’t know what Pepe meant, but it certainly wasn’t aimed at us. Here everyone is equal, Portuguese, Brazilian and Spanish.”
The 27-year-old ended with a optimistic message for the second half of the season.
“I am sure we will win something next year. We still have the League, even if we are far behind, and there are two other titles to be won.”
