FCBARCELONA.CAT

09.06.2008 10:07

"I am a typical Uruguayan player"

Sandra Sarmiento

Martín Cáceres has stated that he is proud to have joined FC Barcelona after completing his move from Villarreal CF last week.

The Uruguayan defender spoke to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.cat and revealed his thoughts on making the glamorous move to Camp Nou.

"Martin. I prefer that they call me Martin. If they call me José, then someone will end up calling me Pepe, and I don't want that. I prefer people to call me Martin". That is how the interview began between www.fcbarcelona.cat and Barça TV and the Uruguayan footballer Martin Cáceres who last Friday became the newest azulgrana acquisition  for the next 4 seasons.

Who told you that you were finally a Barça player? What was the process like?

"I knew everything that was going on days ago, but I was focussed on my national team. My agent was keeping me updated as things went along, but I told him that until it happened not to tell me anything. On Wednesday, when it was completed, he told me and I was very pleased. The first thing I did was call my parents and girlfriend.

It has been a spectacular year for you. Last summer you came from Defensor and after a season with Recreativo you have now signed for Barça.

"Yes, obviously. My career has been short. I have only being playing at the top level for two years so I am proud to have come so far, so fast. I am delighted to have spent a year with Recre and to now have moved to Barcelona."

What kind of player are you?

"I am young at 21 and want to achieve everything possible. I am quick, and I think I am strong, tough and I am good in the air."

Who are your heroes in the game?

"When I was in the youth teams I always watched the big clubs and liked players such as Sergio Ramos and Carles Puyol."

There is a lot of competition for a place in the team.

"Yes, I know. I am coming to a great club that has excellent players such as Piqué, Milito, Puyol and Rafa Márquez. I think it is going to be hard, but I will do my best."

Do you think it will take you time to adapt, coming to a big club?

"I do not think so, I am calm and humble and I do not think it will change me."

If all goes well in August, you will be playing in the Champions League.

"I am really want that to happen. When you are at a smaller club you watch the Champions' League and it is great. It is the best thing that can happen."

What do you know about the new coach, Pep Guardiola?

"I know that he has been in charge of Barça B. He played in midfield for the first team for many years; he was a determined player."

What has playing for Recre done for your game?

"A great deal. Coming from Uruguayan to Spanish Football means adapting to many differences. Villarreal loaned me there and I am very grateful they gave me that opportunity."

Have you had the chance to talk to former Barça players Gerard and Quique Álvarez about the club at Recre?

"I did with Gerard a bit. In the last few weeks he was always saying that Barça wanted me and I did not believe him. I thought he was joking. I did speak to him when it became a bit more serious though. I also had a good relationship with Quique Álvarez and I have previously spoken to him about Barcelona."