Manuel Almunia - The first interview
- Manuel Almunia -
Manuel Almunia completed his move to Arsenal this week. Now you can read the first interview with the Club's new goalkeeper, which features in this month's issue of the official Arsenal Magazine...
The list of unheralded players who have gone on to record great achievements with the Club is as long as it is illustrious. Players like Patrick Vieira, Lee Dixon, Kolo Toure and Robert Pires all arrived at Arsenal with little known about them.
All, however, have made an immense impression on the Club, assuring themselves of a place in Highbury history.
Not much is known about Arsenal's newest acquisition, Manuel Almunia, although his reputation as a sound and reliable goalkeeper has preceded him following an extraordinary season with newly promoted Albacete in Spain.
Loaned out to the provincial club by Celta Vigo, he played an integral part in the team's survival in the 'Primera Liga' during a season where the team conceded fewer goals than Real Madrid.
Manuel, however, will not be between the posts in Albacete's second successive season in the top flight choosing instead to swap the Spanish league for the Premiership.
As soon as Manuel arrived for pre-season training the Arsenal Magazine caught up with the Pamplona-born stopper to ask him about his first impressions of the Club.
Welcome to London, Manuel. When did you first hear about Arsenal's interest in signing you and what were your immediate thoughts about joining the Club?
"Thank you. I first heard about Arsenal's interest towards the end of the Spanish league season. At first I thought it was a joke but when I realised the interest was genuine, I was very proud. Any player who has the chance to become a part of Arsenal would walk here to join the Club.
"Over the past season I have seen Arsenal play on television, especially the games in the Champions League and was very impressed. I paid special attention to the two matches against Celta Vigo of course."
Can you describe your situation at Celta Vigo? You were at Albacete, a team in the same division, is that correct?
"Yes, I was loaned out to Albacete, from Celta Vigo, last season. While Albacete stayed up however, Celta Vigo were relegated. I don't feel any real sorrow or disappointment for Celta Vigo, as I feel they didn't give me the opportunity to show what I could do. In a way, I feel as though I have proved that the choice they made to loan me out was wrong."
Prior to your move to Arsenal, had you spoken to the former Arsenal player Silvinho (currently at Celta Vigo) about the Club? If not, who else?
"No, I never spoke to Silvinho about my move, it happened so fast to be honest. I didn't really speak to any of the other players either, only the directors of the club."
What are your views on English football and what do you know about English goalkeepers?
"I really love English football because of the pace of the game here. The passion and warmth the fans show is also incredible. It isn't just me that has this view either, many people in Spain hold the same opinion as me. The English game is admired back home for the way it is played.
"I don't know much about David James, the current England number one but I saw David Seaman play many times before. I remember in particular the famous game at Euro 96 when England played Spain in the quarter-final. He saved a penalty from Fernando Hierro to knock us out of the competition.
"I was watching the game at my home in Pamplona in Spain and couldn't believe it when it happened. I remember it was a very good save, from a very good goalkeeper."
What were your first impressions off the Arsenal Training Centre?
"When I first arrived at the Training Ground I thought I was on a different planet! It is an amazing place. The way that I was treated by everybody when I first arrived was great, everybody is so friendly and the facilities are very good. Not even at Real Madrid or Barcelona do they have a training ground like this.
"They don't treat players in Spain like they do here either. I've not yet been to Highbury but I am very much looking forward to going see the stadium. I am also looking forward to seeing the construction site for the new stadium, which I have heard a lot about.
"All the stadiums in England are famous in Spain and Highbury is regarded as a football shrine. We have a word in Spanish for that, "mitico"."
There is a growing Spanish influence at the Club what with the recent arrival of both Jose Antonio Reyes, Cesc Fabregas and now yourself. Has it been helpful for you to have people at the Club who speak Spanish?
"Absolutely. Everything is made easier if there are players here who speak the same language to explain things when you first arrive. I know, however, that I will soon have to improve my English."
Having been the first choice goalkeeper at Albacete you will now be challenging Jens Lehmann for the goalkeeper position here at Arsenal. Have you spoken to the manager about your role at the Club?
"As yet I haven't yet had the chance to speak to Mr Wenger in great detail. At the moment, I'm happy enough to train here with the other players. We will have a discussion soon I am sure.
"I understand I have been brought here to challenge for the number one spot. I have been bought from a league where they play a high standard of football, so I am ready to fight for my place."
Are you looking forward to going on the pre-season tour to Austria and going away with all of the players and meeting them properly?
"The pre-season tour is something I have not been on before, so I am looking forward to it. I am also looking forward to meeting all the other players. They are all good people and all seem really friendly."
Have you been to London before and will you be bringing anybody over from Spain to England?
"No, this is actually the first time I have ever been to London. My wife, of course, has come over with me. We got married only two months ago, in May."
What team did you support as a boy?
"I was a big Barcelona fan as a kid and really admired Andoni Zubizarreta the famous goalkeeper who used to play for the club."
You were born in Pamplona, a town in northern Spain. In Britain, Pamplona is known for the Running of the Bulls in the streets. Have you participated in this?
"Well, the festival is called the Fiesta San Fermin and is famous around the world. It starts from July 6 and runs for eight days. A lot of British people come to Spain for the festival and they are always very well behaved. The Bull Run is part of the festival and involves running through the town with a pack of bulls chasing you.
"It sounds dangerous, and is, but it is also very exciting. I took part many times as a youngster. I will never do it again though, considering I am now playing football! I don't think the manager would be too happy if I were to take part!"
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