According to AS, former Real Madrid defender Carvajal was unveiled as a Getafe player. In a pre-match interview, he stated that his only desire was to continue competing and clarified that there was no winter departure clause in his contract unless someone paid 50 million euros.
What attracted you to Getafe after winning everything? Can you also clarify if there's a clause allowing you to leave in the winter?
First of all, I want to say that I am very happy to be here today. Thanks to the board and the president for the offer; I think this excitement is mutual, so I stand here as a Getafe player. To clarify, when my contract with Real Madrid expired, my idea was to change my environment, go to a more exotic country or another league, and experience new things. But the conditions were not ideal, and ultimately my life is football. I love this sport; competing and being on the field drives me, especially after two years of injuries and not being able to get the continuity I wanted. I have always longed to regain that performance. When Getafe's offer came, it met all the conditions my family and I were looking for, so it was a very simple decision. As for the clause, there isn't one; the idea is to stay for the entire season. We don't have the option to leave in the winter unless someone pays 50 million euros.
How was the negotiation process with Getafe? How did you spend the week when LaLiga had to review the contract due to the salary cap?
Obviously, that was the week of negotiations and evaluating how to finalize the signing. We all tried to do our part to see how things could work out. It didn't just depend on the club and me, but also on LaLiga's salary cap, which was an important factor that made the situation a bit more complicated. But we resolved it, and everyone is happy.
What was your impression of new coach Bordalás before joining? How were your initial contacts with him?
Very good. The first day I arrived we talked for a long time, sharing our ideas and views on the team. I think he is an experienced coach who demands a lot from his players and tries to bring out the best in them. I like that; I identify with his way of understanding the sport, and I don't think we will have any problems.
After 23 years at Real Madrid, can you imagine facing your former club at the Bernabéu wearing another jersey?
Honestly, the only thing I imagine is the coach putting me on the field on Monday and playing again. That's what's on my mind right now; I'm not going to worry about what might happen in the future. I want to play; I'm very eager to be on the field, and that's what I'm thinking about for the next game. I know it sounds cliché, but it's true, I can't lie to you.
What would you say to those who might doubt your commitment because Getafe wasn't your first choice?
I think anyone who knows me even a little knows that my commitment is absolute, whether playing here, playing at Real Madrid, or doing anything else. I try to do everything with the utmost effort and passion. That's just how I am; it's how I understand life. Obviously, I'm not here just for the financial contract; both sides made an effort. It was very easy for me to reach an agreement because all the conditions were favorable, and Getafe met those conditions. What I wanted was to compete, and I hope that with European competition and the stadium renovation, Getafe will be a project that fits perfectly. I don't think anyone will doubt my commitment.
Did you reject many European clubs and major league options this summer?
I had options from high-level European clubs playing in the Champions League. But today, at 34, my priority is my wife and children. If the conditions weren't ideal, I didn't think it would be suitable for me and my family to live happily. Everyone knows what they have at home and what motivation each project can give them. This project motivates me a lot.
Given your brilliant career, especially at Real Madrid, what can you bring to Getafe's defense and young players?
I don't like to define myself or say what I can help with; I prefer to do it and let the coach ask me and follow his instructions. But for the young players, I am willing to take on the role of a veteran and experienced player, trying to help them and be close to them, because some players have very good conditions and can perform very well at Getafe.
As a world champion, what do you think of Spain's victory this summer? Do you think you might be called up again by Luis de la Fuente?
I experienced it like any fan, not missing a single game. I celebrated as much as anyone; everyone knows what this country and wearing the national team jersey means to me. My wife and I have talked about this topic many times: "What if we go back to Europe and you maintain a high level?" I think I will never say I won't wear the national team jersey again. When I am no longer called up, whether due to performance or other reasons, then so be it. But I will never refuse to wear the national team jersey.
How do you feel seeing such high expectations around your signing? After all, you come from a successful career at Real Madrid where the focus was shared by other stars.
It's true that at Real Madrid you live somewhat in the shadow of big stars, even though I am the player with the second most titles in history and the academy product with the most titles. But I didn't expect such high expectations. They welcomed me with open arms, from the technical management and coaching staff to the players and kit man. I am very happy; I go home smiling from ear to ear. The fans too; all the messages I received are words of good luck and support, and it's a spiritual boost that gives me more drive and enthusiasm to face all this.
After training alone for several months, do you feel physically ready to debut for the team this Monday?
I trained almost all summer, alone, and also with my brother-in-law Joselu when he was in Madrid. If I told you that training alone isn't hard, I'd be lying. You get all sorts of thoughts in your head; you're working for an opportunity that might come, but there's always a moment in the week when you don't want to train at all. That "prepare, prepare" struggle appears, and then, when you least expect it, the opportunity comes. I feel good physically. Of course, I lack that spark of training with the team, that rhythm found through team training sessions. But I've been working hard, and if the coach needs me and asks, I have to be ready from Monday.
What does it mean to you to leave Real Madrid, the club of your life, after 23 years?
I think that chapter closed last May when I had that incredible farewell. Thanks again to all the fans for how they made me feel that day; it was one of my happiest days, not sad, because I saw the recognition that the Santiago Bernabéu gave me. That's what I remember. I never imagined having such a successful career.
What are the main challenges you want to address during your time at Getafe?
I have no doubts; ultimately, they opened their doors to me in every way. I feel like one of them, as if I had been here for many years. The only goal is to help the team achieve survival. And, why not, also dream of winning the Copa del Rey and the Conference League. That's the objective.
This was your first summer without a club. Can you explain what was going through your mind while training during those months of uncertainty and not knowing where you would play?
It was a very unusual summer. I trained every day; I remember us saying at home, "Let's go away for a week," and I said, "No, no, I have to stay ready." Training Monday to Friday, and then the weekend... Mentally, it's tough training alone, but ultimately you have to be strong; these are situations that arise in life. As I said, I was ready, and eventually, when one is ready and gives their all to stay in shape, opportunities arise. Likewise, opportunities might not arise.
If you look back at your time at Getafe a few years from now, what would need to happen, besides the results, for you to consider it a positive experience?
It will undoubtedly be positive. I'm not thinking about having good or bad feedback at the end of the season. I know it will be good because it's a project that motivates me a lot, and competition is in my DNA. I'm at home, in Madrid, where I grew up, and I think all the conditions are good. I can help the team with my experience, my way of playing, and the intensity I can bring. I'm sure it will be good. At the end of the season, whether the goals are achieved or not, we will work for it. But success is not defined by the result itself; it's defined by making the right decisions and giving your all every day. With that, you can have peace of mind knowing you made a good decision.
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