Stuani: “Ronaldo is a sleeping giant but he is lethal”
Girona's top scorer speaks with AS in one of the finest moments of his career and talks about Ronaldo, Catalonia and gives a prediction in the game against Real Madrid.
Christian Stuani speaks with AS ahead of Real Madrid's trip north to Catalonia in the midst of a heated political battle. The 31-year-old striker has scored four in seven so far for Girona and has a bold prediction for the game on Sunday night.
How do you approach a game like this?
They are one of the big clubs and we have to approach it in a different manner. It tends to give you a lot of hope and for us it is something historical. You have to enjoy it but you must also compete.
You already know what it is like to score against Madrid and take points off them. You scored against them for Espanyol in a game that ended up as a draw.
Yes, and you never forget things like that. It's complicated to win against Madrid but nothing is impossible. You have to go out and play in these games and at home we are an intense football team.
What is the key to you winning?
They're a great team, you have to block their transitions as they're very fast and you have to stop their counters, as that's where they're very strong. After that, if we can manage to keep a clean sheet against a team like Madrid it would be important because we would give ourselves an opportunity to win.
What Real Madrid player would you buy if you could?
Cristianto, no doubt about it. He is a star and even though he hasn't scored that many goals, he is a sleeping giant. In any moment, he could wake up and could make three goals in two plays, he is lethal! So, we hope he doesn't wake up against us.
For you, is it fair that he won 'The Best'?
Last year, he did some great things to get the award and he was the deserved winner, yes.
You have four goals a few weeks ago, you qualified for the World Cup in Russia. Is this the best moment in your career?
It's a really nice moment for me. Since I arrived, I had it in my mind to help the team and to score goals. So far, I'm achieving that to the letter and it I am proud that the fans have identified with me. I want to continue like this because I don't want to miss out on the World Cup. It would be an enormously proud moment for me.
Today, you will be up against Ramos...
He is one of the best defenders in the world. He is a fighter, with class and is a leader. He has everything you need to be a top defender and to be successful in football and that's what he has done. It will be a difficult test but we plan on trying until the end.
Also, Casilla, your former teammate at Espanyol will be in goals. How do you see him?
He is a great goalkeeper and a great guy. I am delighted for how he is doing but I hope to score against him.
How are you experiencing the political situation in Catalonia?
With uncertainty, but in my case, I respect everyone as I am not from here. I try to keep slightly to the fringe of it all and keep going my job. Of course, I am clear that you can mix football and politics and in that we are not confused, and I hope that the people enjoy what will be a great game of football, a spectacle.
Do you want to give us a prediction?
A 2-1 would be perfect. And with a couple from me would be spectacular (smiles).
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