Fabio Coentrao is determined to prove his worth after his big-money move to Real Madrid.
New Madrid defender hopes to show he is the Real deal
Fabio Coentrao is determined to prove his worth after his big-money move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants splashed out €30million to sign the 23-year-old wing-back from Benfica earlier this month.
The Portugal international has now joined up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of America and is confident he will justify that price tag.
"I always hear about the 30million, they say it's expensive," he told
Diario AS. "But I cannot answer this question yet, time will tell.
"I have the certainty that I have the quality and I want to show everyone why they paid 30million.
"I have to prove to everyone that I have the qualities to be here. I am certain that I will respond in the future to this question and that it was worth paying the money for me."
Coentrao has become the fourth Portugal international in the Real Madrid squad after Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho.
Kaka and Marcelo are Portuguese speakers while coach Jose Mourinho is Portuguese so Coentrao has soon settled in.
Fantastic group
"It's a fantastic group," he said. "I'm feeling well, and not just because of the Portuguese and Brazilians here.
"I feel great in this group. It is a fantastic club and a team with high quality. I am proud to be here, but I have to work hard from now."
Carvalho saw Real's bitter rivals Barcelona win the Spanish title and the Champions League in his first season at the Bernabeu, but he has warned the Catalan giants that Real will be even more competitive next term.
Mourinho managed to lead them to Copa del Ray victory last term and his track record at Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan shows he tends to be more successful during his second season in charge.
"He always wants to improve, from the first day and every day," said Carvalho, who also played under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea.
Always learning
"With him you learn every day. His second years are better than his first because the players know each other better."
And Carvalho is hoping Kaka can get back to his best and play a key role next term following two injury-hit campaigns since his then world-record move from AC Milan.
"We know he had a difficult season because of his injury," added the experienced defender.
"He is coming back and he is looking good. We all know his quality and I hope he can reach his best to help us."
