Higuain wishes to become Real captain

Posted Tuesday, May 29, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain revealed that he is happy at Real and dreams of becoming the club captain one day.

The striker had been linked with a big-money move to Paris St Germain and Chelsea in recent weeks. But instead of considering a potential move away, the Argentina international was keen to discuss the reasons as to why he is happy to stay at the club.

And he stated that he wants to live up to the achievements of former Real captain and Argentina legend Alfredo di Stefano. The former Real coach scored 246 goals in 11 seasons and Higuain wants to emulate the feats of one of his role models with the current Real side.

"I greatly admire and idolise Alfredo di Stefano. He lived it all at Real Madrid and transmits it. It is amazing," he told the club website.

"I love to listen to him. I learn from what he has to say.

"I managed to see the dream of being Real Madrid's captain in some games come true for me.

"I was never the team captain, but I felt proud to wear the armband."

For now, Iker Casillas is the club captain and the Spain goalkeeper has had a successful time for both club and country having won nearly every competition that he has participated in. Higuain is happy to bide his time and he is especially happy with the way his team performed in the current season and he said that he was moved by the expression of support by Real fans in the aftermath of the La Liga title win where many requested him to stay at the club.

"It's been a tough year in which we reached far in the Champions League and won La Liga," he said.

"It was stressing, but I'm glad we won the league in the end. I'm excited about what there is in store for Real Madrid and Argentina."

"The last match with Real Madrid really affected me. It is amazing to hear all the crowd and your teammates asking you to stay, and Sergio Ramos' words of introduction were very moving.

"I won a title with Real Madrid this season, which was the harvest of very hard work. I'm very happy with the number of goals I scored this season, but I could have scored more."

He dismissed speculation that indicated that he might not be getting along very well with the rest of the squad. The striker, who netted 22 goals the past season, has had a tough time claiming a regular starting berth as he had to fight Karim Benzema for the spot and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has often been made the focal point of many of Real's attacks.

He revealed that compatriot Angel di Maria's presence on the team is a big factor as to his current state of happiness.

"I get along great with everyone on the squad. I spend most of my time with Di Maria. We watch River Plate and Rosario matches together.

"Real Madrid have a healthy squad. I love to kid around in the dressing room and make people laugh, but I also have moments of stress, like everyone else."