"He Could Play A Half For Each Side!"

That Ramond Domenech is quite the joker. All of this Gonzalo Higuain business, in the end, has been much ado about nothing. While it's an interesting story, with some history to it (see: D. Trezeguet), it's not that big of a deal. Both France and Argentina will have other goalscorers coming up through the ranks should either miss out on the River Plate striker.

Maybe it's more important to focus on where Higuain might go to play his club soccer. A day after presenting new signing Marcelo, Real Madrid seem to be where he and Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gaog are heading. While nothing has been settled as of yet, he did give an interview to Spanish sports daily Diaro AS two days ago. If there was any confusion as to where he wanted to play, the shirt he wore to the sitdown should have put an end to that.

Here's a rough translation of Higuain's interview with Oscar Ribot:

How do you feel after turning down the French national team?
It's not that I came out with an outright no. It's already in the [news]papers that my dad sent a letter to Domenech thanking him for offering the opportunity, but that it was a bit premature for me to join the team at this time. The decision was made for me to stay put, continue playing for River, and then see what happens next.

Have you been able to talk to Domenech?
No, not yet.

Would you have like to talk to him directly?
Sure, to tell him about my choice and how I came about it. But I haven't had the chance to do it yet.

Are you afraid that you've angered Domenech, that maybe he hasn't understood your position? Wouldn't it all be cleared up by talking to him?
Yeah, of course. I think that having a talk would be the best thing. He has said that he was a bit bothered by my decision. That was never my intention, I hope he understands that. On the other hand, he did say that he respected the choice I made. So, as far as I'm concerned, everything is fine.

Do you understand how he might have gotten a little hot over the whole situation?
I've already made up my mind on the matter. I talked it over with my family, my dad, and with my representative. That has given me piece of mind. It was never my plan to make him angry over all of his.

Has this episode made you uncomfortable?
No. Once I made my decision, I've been fine. I made a choice, it was hard and a little uncomfortable, but it's all over now.

What are your thoughts on Real Madrid seeking your signature?
It's an honor that they would notice me, but of course I'm very happy staying a bit longer at River and playing in the [Copa] Libertadores because it's going to be a big tournament for the club. I'm quite happy with both situations.

What more do you have to do to show [Alfio] Basile that that you are ready to be called up?
Yeah, you just have to keep playing and putting in top-class performances. I just have to continue playing, there's nothing more to say about it. People have been talking about it in the papers, I'll leave it at that.

What luck that two great teams like France and Argentina are asking you to decide between them.
Like I said, I've made my decision. Now, with time, I'll decide what's best for me. But for now, there's not really much else to say.

You could be a young galactico on a team with big names.
Hopefully. Real Madrid is a great team with great players and it would be a dream to play there.

Are the doors closed to a future with the French national team or can you see yourself possibly playing for them in the future?
No, nothing is closed. It's simply a matter of right now, the present. No more than that.

Are you afraid of any FIFA sanctions for not reporting to the French national team?
No, I'm not sure. I had no idea about the sanctions. I decided to not answer the invitation because I thought I wasn't ready for something like that. What you've read in the papers is what's really going on, nothing else.

If you do sign with Real Madrid, would you go doing the January transfer window or wait until June?
That's an issue that the clubs have to address. River's directors have already come out and said that I wouldn't be leaving before June, so I won't say anything else about it. I'm happy here.

But you do now that Real Madrid want to take you in January.
Sure, but that's for the club directors to look at. The truth is I'm very happy here.

Fernando Redondo says that you are already prepared to play for Real Madrid. Do you feel you're ready?
It would probably be best, like the club has said, that I stay until June. I'd gain more experience, I'd play in the Copa Libertadores which would allow me to play in other countries. But we'll just have to wait and see what happens.

The thing is that the Madrid train only comes by once in a lifetime.
Yeah, but it's up to River. The only thing I can do is stay calm, focus on River, and just go from one day to the next.

You are now in a white jersey with a red band on it. Can you see yourself in Madrid's white jersey?
(Laughing) We'll see.

How does it feel to be so young and have so much buzz surrounding you?
Yeah, it's crossed my mind. But like I said before, I'm prefectly fine where I'm at right now. I just have to continue being myself and keep my feet on the ground.

Are you worried about losing your concentration with all this talk of money and big clubs?
No, not really. All of this stuff isn't a reality yet, so why worry about it? I just have to stay focused on River and continue improving on things here for a future in Europe.

The championship has become a little complicated for River. Your only route is to win the rest of your games.
Yeah, we have to beat everybody left on our schedule. There's no other choice.

Higuain's France snub consigned to the past [Yahoo!]
Higuain interview (in Spanish) [Diario AS]

-ac