Bits & Bobs: I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong, Pirata Presser Translation And More

Remember how I was whining about a hangover earlier? I couldn’t have been more wrong. 3 glasses of sangria doesn’t give you a sore throat, sweats, chills, a fever, body aches and a stuffy nose. I’ve got some sort of bug. According to a friend, it’s been going around. Lucky me. I canceled my hair appointment and spent almost the entire day asleep except for occasional meals. Ugh. I have a Chelsea/PSG ticket for tomorrow, I need to at least get well enough to go to that. I guess I’m just going to stay in bed until the last possible second tomorrow.

Sami was definitely having more fun than I was today, posting this shot with two starfish. PUT ‘EM BACK, SAMI! 

Iker posted this moody shot of himself gazing off into the sunset. Wonder where he is now? Hope he’s getting some rest and enjoying himself.

Juan Mata posted a shot from Heathrow as he was on his way to Glasgow with the Spanish Olympic team. Those shirts aren’t too bad, are they? (Well, in comparison to the other outfits we’ve seen).

In other Olympic news, Fabrice Muamba carried the torch today. How wonderful seeing him growing stronger every day! Amazing young man.

David Luiz posted some shots from Chelsea’s pre-season tour. He’s very excited to be in NYC. I can say the feeling is mutual.

He also posted a shot of his #hellogeezers shirts that are on sale at World Soccer Shop among other places.

Chelsea players also posed with the NY Yankees’ legendary relief pitcher Mariano Rivera.

Let’s see, what else? Well, Sergio said that he spent yesterday in the studio with his buddy Alejandro Sanz and tweeted another shot from Miami. GF Sports and Fxckyeahsergioramos had a couple more fan shots as well.

David Silva played some padel with his buddies with Raul Albiol & yummy wife Alicia Roig dined out with their crew.

GF Sports also had a great bunch of pictures of AS Roma sightseeing in Chicago. I love them riding around on the tour bus, a boat, in the cafeteria. It’s kinda adorable. Watishista P, since you are in Chi-town, could you please keep an eye out for them? Stuff Bojan in your carry on for me!

And finally, the translation of El Pirata’s presser from earlier today. I’m going to wrap up the post with this and get right back to bed. I feel wretched.

FROM REALMADRID.COM

Granero: “The league last year was memorable and it will be difficult to improve on those statistics”
Realmadrid.com

“The main challenge for the team is to do better than last year, which was a very good season. My main challenge is to continue growing and to establish myself here”, added the Real Madrid player in the press room.

Esteban Granero took over from his team mate Gonzalo Higuaín in the press room at Valdebebas for the current pre-season to speak about his feeling both as an individual and as part of the group as they face the coming campaign: “We have many challenges at a collective level; the main challenge for the team is to do better than last year, which was a very good season; and my main challenge is to continue growing and to establish myself in the team”. Referring to the potential of Real Madrid he also said: “Real Madrid will be the team to beat for many years”.

The Whites’ number 11 started his appearance by speaking of the team’s objectives for the upcoming campaign: “We have many challenges at a collective level; the main challenge for the team is to do better than last year, which was a very good season”. On a personal level he is looking towards his fifteenth season at the club with hopes of being able to continue contributing to the team: “I want to continue growing and to establish myself in the team. I have not thought about leaving and I have not thought about just continuing with the same role within squad. I want to play a more key role, as do all footballers. That is why I train and that is what I am going to try to achieve. I have high hopes of creating a spot for myself and being an important part of the team “.

When asked if Real Madrid are going to be the team to beat this season, Granero stated that: “It is going to be a tough championship and Real Madrid will be the team to beat. The goal and points tally that we achieved in the last campaign are almost insurmountable; we are going to fight to better them. There is little room for improvement on last year’s league statistics because it was such a memorable championship. In other competitions we will try to improve. Real Madrid will be the team to beat for many years, not just this year”.

On the reinforcements that may arrive, the Whites’ midfielder said that: “It is the club’s decision. Good players are always welcome. Every year people come and go and it is important that the team gets stronger each year. Improving on last year’s squad is difficult. Those who arrive will arrive, we always have open arms to make a greater Real Madrid”.

When questioned about the fact that his contract ends in 2013 and of the possibility of renewal, Granero clarified that he feels very good at Real Madrid: “Is not a problem. It is my fifteenth season at the club and there is no doubt that I like it here and there will be no problem. If Real Madrid want me to be here, I will be”. Finally, referring to the choice for the Ballon d’Or he said: “It is a little unfair that it will be an individual prize and not a collective one. Last season there was a team far superior to the rest, which beat records and it would be fair if it were given to a player from that team. That team is ours. It would have to go this team, in which there are many players that deserve it”.

– Lozil