Alvaro Arbeloa has said winning the Club World Cup with Real Madrid would cap his career as he marks his 200th game for the club.
Arbleoa reached the landmark against Ludogorets in the midweek Champions League win and told an interview with the club’s official site, later reported by AS, that to play so many times for Madrid, having come through the academy, is a special feeling.
“For a cantera player like me to play 200 games for Madrid is something I’m very proud of. It’s unimaginable,” he said, AS reports.
“I started here as a boy and now I’m a man with 200 games. I want to be here as long as I can. This is my home, the club in my heart and I hope I’m here for many more years.
“I have two on my contract but it would be a pleasure to spend my life at Madrid.
“I know it’s complicated by what this club demands but my effort will always be in order to win trophies.”
Arbeloa was part of the Madrid squad that claimed La Decima, a victory he says means more to him because he saw Madrid win the Champions League in 2002.
“That 93rd minute [when Sergio Ramos equalised against Atletico Madrid] will always be in the memory of any Real Madrid fan,” he continued.
“The year I came along, Zinidine Zidane scored the goal for the ninth European Cup. People don’t realise how important it is to win having seen your team win, your heroes.
“This December we hope to win the Club World Cup. I want to win everything with Madrid.
“I’m in my sixth season here and there is nothing greater than to win with Madrid.
“Five minutes after winning La Decima, people spoke of the 11th. We’re on it.”
