HIt is hot, very hot, and it is 11:00 in the morning of another wonderful summer day in Ibiza. While half the island, perhaps more, has not gone to bed or has gone to bed late and is still sleeping, der Militao (24 years old) takes a break from his vacation to talk to MARCA. The conversation takes place in a privileged environment, a villa that does not lack detail, and in it the joy of someone who has been consecrated as reference at Real Madrid, with whom he has just won three titles, and in Brazil, with which he aspires to start in Qatar 2022.
Ask. He sensed that she needed this break?
Response. After a very good season, of great achievements, a quiet vacation with the family is well deserved, waking up in the morning with the feeling that I have had a great season. You have to take advantage now.
Q. Are you giving it time to disconnect or is it impossible?
R. The first days are more to enjoy with the family. With about two weeks to go start doing more things on a physical level. Now is the time to be with the family.
The most intimate soldier: his wife’s relationship with Alaba’s, the name of his baby…
P. We are going to go back almost a year, when Sergio Ramos and Varane leave, holders. Was it too much pressure for you?
R. When the two left, people pointed out that they had made a lot of history in the club. I thought my time had come to do things right to show the fans and the whole world that they could also count on me. I’ve put on a great display for the people and I’ve shown why I’m at Real Madrid.
Q. Have you justified the 50 million that Real Madrid paid and being the most expensive defender in the club’s history?
R. Yes. I have demonstrated it very well. When I arrived, things didn’t go well because I had two central defenders ahead of me, who had been together for a long time. Now I have really shown the reason for my signing.
P. What was the key so that the weight of being at Real Madrid did not end up being too much?
R. The work, not letting things get out of control. The ability to work: I did not stop doing everything I had been doing, having confidence. I knew that I was not in a very good moment, but work and family helped me a lot on a day-to-day basis.
Ancelotti is a very funny person, he connects a lot with us
Q. In that tough stretch at the beginning, what was the point where you felt the lowest?
R. In the game against Betis, I played as a winger and I didn’t do very well. A lot of things went through my mind afterwards, but then it helped me to have more motivation and more focus to do well when opportunities came up again.
P. Now Alaba has also been very important, with whom he has connected on and off the field.
R. Yes. He arrived and we connected very quickly. It seemed like we played together for a long time. She has given us all joy.
Q. What have you learned from him?
R. He always has a lot of motivation and, during games, a very good energy.
P. Do you think that with him you form the best couple in the world?
R. Yes, for all we have gained.
Militao and Alaba’s girlfriends get together to watch the game… and show at halftime!
P. Speaking of couples, yours have connected wonderfully.
R. Yeah, it’s been a connection that seemed like we’ve known each other for years.
P. Karoline [novia de Militao y fenmeno en redes comentando los partidos] He says “Abala”.
R. Abala, yes [Risas].
Q. How has the fact that you are going to be a father influenced your evolution?
R. Being a young father was a dream for me. I like children. It was a wish I had and now that I am going to fulfill it I am very, very happy.
Q. Do you have the name already?
R. S. Cecilia.
P. What do you think is more difficult, settling in Real Madrid or being Cecilia’s father?
R. Both. It will also be fun, cheerful, running around with her.
Q. And play for Real Madrid Women…
R. Sure, oh!
P. If we talk about difficult things, we have to do it about the Champions League. No one outside believes. You guys?
R. We had difficult times, but we always believed that we could reach the final and win La 14. We never stop believing. We knew it would be very difficult, but we always believed.
Militao whistles at the airport metal control… for carrying the ‘Orejona’ on him!
P. Modric said at the delivery of his MARK Legend that the funniest comeback had been that of PSG and the most difficult, that of City. Do you agree?
R. I also keep the one from City. We were fighting and fighting, and in one against Mahrez marked us and many things went through our heads. When Rodrygo scored the first goal, many also happened to us, like: “Fuck, again, it’s possible.” In football many things happen.
Q. They suffered, although they qualified, against Mbapp. How is it in short distances?
R. Against PSG we saw that he is a great player, we all know that, but our unity against them and against him was fundamental for us.
P. In the locker room they waited for you?
R. As people said that it was almost done, that he would go to Real Madrid… But then I don’t know what happened. It was his decision.
Q. Did they comment on it, for example in the WhatsApp group?
R. No. We were calm because we had done our part and this was no longer our turn.
P. Who has arrived is Rdiger.
R. He is a good centre-back, as we all know. I welcome you.
Q. It looks like I could play alongside him, with Alaba moving to the left. Have they told you something?
R. I don’t know. I leave this to the master.
P. There is also talk of the possibility that they play with three central defenders.
R. We have all the characteristics for it, we would not have problems, but let’s see what happens in the season.
Q. You were referring two answers ago to the master. How is Ancelotti?
R. He is a great coach. He helps us a lot and also respects the decisions of the players. On a day-to-day basis he talks a lot in training. He is a very funny person, he connects a lot with us. Also the staff. They are all very good people and do very well.
Militao, relaxed, poses for MARCA.
P. What do you mean by that you respect the decisions of the players?
R. To what happened against City, for example, that I listened to Marcelo. He is an open person.
P. Another signing is Tchouamni. How do you value it?
R. I don’t know him, but I’ve seen him play and he’s going to give us a lot of joy.
P. This 2022 is very special for Qatar. What does your first World Cup mean?
R. It is a joy, also a dream, to achieve all this and play in a World Cup. Any footballer knows how important it is. I’m going to have my first opportunity to experience all of this.
Q. Is Brazil favorite?
R. S. Hopefully we win it.
Q. How do you see Spain?
R. Good. We all know they have very good players.
Q. What is left for improvement?
R. Day by day, work day by day. I want to become one of the best centre-backs in the world and for that I need the day-to-day work, the training sessions, everything.
Militao and Ulisses Jorge, the soccer player’s agent, with Mario Cortegana, editor of MARCA.
Discussion about this post