Dudek: It Is A Privilege To Play For Real Madrid

At a press conference this afternoon, Polish goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek spoke to journalists about a wide range of topics, especially his chances of playing in the shadows of Iker Casillas.

One of the best goalkeepers in Europe a couple of years ago at Liverpool, Jerzy Dudek has seen his career slow down drastically after his move to Madrid last summer. Being an understudy of Iker Casillas would be a difficult job for any keeper, but Dudek always remains positive.

 "I feel great!" he began, "I train very hard and do extra work every training session. I'm ready and will be happy if the coach decides to let me play. It is a privilege to play for Real Madrid," Marca quoted him saying.

Dudek was asked if he understood why Schuster prefers to pick Casillas as his first choice. "I understand…The same happened to me when I was Iker's age, I only missed one match and made it to every other game," he mused. "Casillas is one of the best goalies in the world and a symbol for Madrid. That's life."

A journalist wondered why Dudek was always happy, but the Madrid goalie could offer no feasible explination. "Because I am!" he chuckled, "I'm here to help and will get my chance to play. We all feel important and are equal in the dressing room."

Finally, Dudek spoke about whether he will finally hang his boots this season and retire from the game for good. "I don't know, it's too soon. My contract will end in June, it would make me sad to leave. My wife and kids are happy here."

"I think I can play for three more years," he concluded.