JAKARTA - Inter Miami striker Gonzalo Higuain recalls his past at Real Madrid. He admitted, the increasing competition at Los Blancos made him feel no longer needed by the Spanish capital club.
The 33-year-old player joined Los Blancos in 2007. Two seasons later, Cristiano Ronaldo Karim Benzema and Kaka also anchored at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"With Benzema we competed healthy, but we have to do our best. The year Cristiano arrived, he scored 27 goals and I scored 26," Higuain said in an interview with ESPN Futbol 360.
In fact, in the 2009-2010 season, Higuan scored 27 goals in La Liga. While Ronaldo scored 26 goals. Yes, the striker was confused about the number of goals he scored.
"The next transfer window they brought in Kaka and Benzema. That's when I said 'how much more do I have to make?'" continued Higuain who thought these two players arrived in 2010.
"Karim came in and he brought out the best version of me and I brought out the best version. He's an incredible number 9."
After being recruited by Real Madrid at the age of 18, Higuain did not expect to immediately enter the club's first team.
"I don't think I will get into the Real Madrid first team. They bought me and they will keep me at Castilla. There is a possibility to go on loan too," said Higuain.
"My dad told me on the plane: 'The only thing I'm going to ask you is not to be afraid. Never be afraid, but have respect ...' and that phrase stuck with me.
"When I arrived I was training with the first team and in the second training session (Fabio) Capello told me 'You keep playing with us'.
"Three or four days later I made my debut as a starter in the Copa del Rey. I ended up playing on the right wing."
Higuain currently plays for Inter Miami, a club that has been heavily linked with a move for Lionel Messi for the latter part of his career. However, the striker does not expect to play alongside his compatriot if he does eventually join.
"Don't get me into trouble... I didn't know about Leo joining Miami," Higuain said.
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