On February 27, 2025, Royston Drenthe, the former Real Madrid player, appeared on The Wild Project, hosted by Jordi Wild, sharing intriguing insights about his professional football career and personal life.
Drenthe, who wore the iconic white jersey from 2007 to 2011, reflected on his transition to the Spanish giants. Many fans may still recall his thrilling, yet tumultuous tenure, filled with ups and downs, not solely on the pitch. This interview brought forward stories many fans might have forgotten, including why he chose Madrid over their bitter rivals, FC Barcelona.
Addressing this decision, Drenthe recounted a conversation with Joan Laporta, expressing, "Hablé con Laporta; Mijatovic, por el puesto que tenía; y hablé mucho con el Chelsea". His experience showcased the competitive nature of transfers at the time, especially with notable clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona vying for the young talent. The offer from Chelsea, which included a loan to Feyenoord, was alluring but fell short of what Drenthe desired. "Ellos querían ficharme y dejarme un año cedido en el Feyernord, pero yo no quería eso," he explained.
But what sealed the deal for Madrid? Drenthe passionately stated, "La leyenda Ronaldo, estaba jugando en el Real Madrid los últimos años, como un gordo, pero aún como un rey. Eso era para mí como 'quiero jugar en ese club donde él ha estado, donde ha estado Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Zidane'". His desire to play alongside legends drove his choice, solidifying Real Madrid's allure, especially since it offered him recognition back home, elevting him to legendary status among fans.
The conversation then shifted to Drenthe's challenges at Madrid, predominantly with coach José Mourinho. He candidly discussed their complicated relationship, "Al principio nosotros estuvimos bien pero cuando volví del Hércules... Había cuatro jugadores en el vestuario que no podían entrenar en el equipo por tonterías..." Expressing his frustrations, he continued with, "Yo que sé. Yo no podía trabajar más con él." The dynamics at the club seemed convoluted and Drenthe's account unveils the tension he faced as Mourinho's player.
Transitioning back to his football experience, Drenthe also shared anecdotes about his lifestyle choices during his career. Although he'd gained notoriety for his night-out escapades, he clarified, "Hay veces que he ido a entrenar de empalme, directamente después de salir de fiesta". Balancing nightlife with training was unwieldy; yet, he asserted it didn't hinder his professional commitment. His rapport with teammates, especially Guti and Higuaín—whom he labeled as the 'most party-loving' player—reflects both camaraderie and the contrasting pressures of being under the spotlight.
Drenthe's humorous yet insightful reflections spotlighted football culture and the prevailing norms, especially about partying. While discussing his public persona, he admitted, "salía a la calle en Madrid y no me escondía. Pero no podía estar en cualquier lado porque la gente me reconocía". This kind of fame was less pronounced back home, showcasing how fame can shape one's everyday life.
He didn't shy away from controversial topics, also speaking openly about racial remarks made by international players. Recalling his encounter with Lionel Messi during his stint at Hercules, Drenthe recounted, "En un partido... Messi me dijo que los jugadores argentinos entre ellos se llamaban negros de mierda." His response illuminated the layered issues of identity and racism inherent within football, stressing the disparities players face, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Drenthe's candid discussion highlights several universal themes within sports—pressures of fame, the dynamic between players and coaches, and the life choices athletes navigate: choices he now reflects on with maturity. The interview culminates with Drenthe's acknowledgments of the ramifications of his past decisions on his career and his enduring legacy within football.
Through this engaging dialogue, listeners gain insight not just about the glories and hardships of Drenthe’s career, but about the nuanced societal pressures surrounding professional athletes—highlighting the rich human experience behind the sport.