Huntelaar to Hala Madrid
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar sat down with Real Madrid’s Hala Madrid magazine to discuss the early stages of his career and the goals he has set for himself during his time in the Spanish capital.
How did you get involved in football?
I started when I was four of five by playing on a team that some of my family placed on. My dad was the coach, so he was the one who got me started.
Your oldest memory as a footballer?
When I started winning trophies and the change to professional football. That’s when I realized I could make it big in the world of football.
Do you remember your first match?
Yes. I had a lot of fun playing. I was a forward on the first team I played for, but back then there was no game plan. Everyone went where the ball went.
Were you always a forward?
I played goalkeeper once when I was with De Graafschap. I enjoyed it, but it was a one-time thing.
Did you think you’d become a professional while playing for your first team?
Everything happened one step after the next. When you start on an amateur team you don’t really think how far you might get. I always took things slow and with a lot of self-confidence. I worked hard to make it to Ajax, and I felt proud once I got there. Then I continued working hard to reach where I am today, Real Madrid.
Who did you look up to?
Gullit and Van Basten when I was small and then Dennis Bergkamp.
How does it make you feel to be compared to Van Basten?
I don’t know. He stopped playing when I was very young. I don’t like to be compared to anyone. He was a great player recognized through all of Europe, so it makes me proud to know that people compare us.
What is it about Dutch football that produces such great players?
It starts at a grassroots level because teaching and training methods are so structured. The Dutch are crazy about football and they work hard to teach it to youth.
Does having fellow Dutchman on the team help with your adaptation?
Of course. In training for example I can ask them in Dutch what the coach is saying. It makes communicating easier, but they also helped me with other stuff when I first arrived.
What do you like most about Real Madrid?
The stadium and the fans. Both are fantastic.
And what about the city?
I love the old buildings because I really like culture. I haven’t had the chance to walk around, but I came here a year ago with my family for vacation and I got to see a little.
What was the first thing to cross your mind when Real Madrid called?
That I couldn’t think twice. It’s the best club in the world and I am convinced that every player they call doesn’t have to think twice about the decision. I had made up my mind because although Ajax is a fantastic club, Real Madrid is better. I also like the white shirt because it has special meaning.
Why?
I like how classic, traditional and historic it is, I want to celebrate a lot of goals in it.
How does playing and scoring in the Bernabeu feel?
The first match was to get a feel for the atmosphere. The stadium is huge, but I don’t notice it when I am playing because I am too focused on the match.
Is La Liga a tough league?
It’s a great competition and along with England I think one of the two best in Europe.
What goals do you have while playing for Real Madrid?
To win many titles. I have a lot of years ahead of me here and winning leagues and the Champions league are dreams of mine.
Any message for the fans?
I will give them all I’ve got. I know I will improve here and score many goals for this team.
Just another Madridista
Junta speak