Iker Casillas sat down with Revista to look back on a golden summer and forward to a tough season.
Casillas says new season will be tougher
It would be fair to assume that silverware is on the mind of Iker Casillas.
After getting his giant hands on the league title with Real Madrid last season and then on the Euro 2008 trophy with Spain over the summer, the goalkeeper is now looking forward to another season in La Liga.
He sat down to talk to Revista ahead of the new campaign and admitted that he still hasn't come to terms with the national team's summer of success.
He admitted that it was only on his return from Austria and Switzerland that he realised the impact that the victory had on the people of Spain.
"To be honest I don't think we have really come to terms with what we have achieved," he said.
"Whilst I was away from Spain in Austria with the rest of the squad we did not really understand how Spain was living the tournament.
"We were not aware of people celebrating the success of the national team. When we came back to Spain and saw the celebrations, the scale of what we had achieved started to dawn on us.
"Now wherever you go in Spain people tell you about how they lived moments like the penalties and the victories over Italy, Russia and Germany. That helps you get your head around things."
Closer
With the new domestic season under way, Casillas has now turned his attention back to club matters.
Real led from the front last season before running away with the title, but Casillas insists things will be much closer this time around.
He predicts at least six clubs have a chance in the title race this season, including local rivals Atletico Madrid, who have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
"Of course, Barcelona and Real Madrid are eternal rivals, but one must not overlook teams like Villarreal who had a great season last year," he said.
"Atletico Madrid are going to have a good season because they have put together a really good side that is strong in every department.
"As well as those sides you have to look at Sevilla and Valencia. I think that it is going to be a much tougher league than last season, and not just the league, every competition. Teams have strengthened well over the summer.
"Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached the group stages of the Champions League. I think Atletico Madrid are going to be competitive in Europe and in La Liga.
"It's not going to be like last year when we built up a clear lead, it's going to be more competitive.
"If you look at the last few seasons it is clear Atletico Madrid are not our main rivals, they have had very different aspirations to us in recent times.
"They have not been fighting for the title and have only recently qualified for the Champions League. But it's fair to say that they are one of our rivals.
"They have some great players who are geared up to have a great season. Who can say they are not capable of winning the Champions League?"
