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Home  » Sports » Cannavaro relishing Real challenge

Cannavaro relishing Real challenge

July 22, 2006 17:20 IST
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Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro said he is looking forward to the challenge of helping Real Madrid get back to winning ways next season.

"I can't understand how a team as big as Real have not won a title for so long [three years]," Cannavaro told the Spanish sports daily Marca on Saturday.

"They are the biggest and the best and will return to being winners. I have signed for them to win things and to help Real be even bigger."

On Wednesday the Primera Liga club said they had agreed a deal with Juventus for the 32-year-old centre-back and his Brazilian teammate Emerson.

"Real are the type of club where you are expected to win every game. For a player who wants to be the best it is stimulating to feel the pressure to defend their interests," he said.

Cannavaro will link up with his former coach at Juventus, Fabio Capello, who swapped Turin for Madrid earlier this month.

"He is a demanding coach who is always looking to be the best," he said.

"He has the experience and know how to turn a team into champions. It is good we have him but we will have to work hard because it won't be easy."

Cannavaro's presentation is being planned for Wednesday.

Real's Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos is expected to resolve his future with the club early next week with Spanish media putting Olympique Lyon's French international Eric Abidal in the frame as a potential replacement if he leaves.

Real are reported to be still chasing Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, despite Manchester United rejecting their last offer, and AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka.

 

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Source: REUTERS
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