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It was a 'coming home' celebration Friday as Dani Carvajal was officially reintroduced to Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. The boy who was chosen to lay down the foundation stone at Real Madrid's Football City in 2004 now symbolically stands as motivation for youth academy players to fulfill their own dreams. In his first press conference following the unveiling, he stated
Everybody's dream is to become part of this squad and how you get there is not important. I don't want to be an example, but more a motivation for [academy players] to fight for their dreams in every training session.
Carvajal is the perfect example of a youth product turned first-teamer that lives and breathes for the club. His tremendous footballing ability is already evident. He was selected to the Bundesliga's Top XI in his one year out on loan at Leverkusen, and in his first year of top flight football anywhere, nonetheless. Along with the ability he brings a determination to give back to a club he says has given him everything. In an interview with Realmadrid TV following his presentation, he was asked what has he given to the club, to which he responded
The question should be in reverse: What has Real Madrid given to me? Real Madrid has given me everything. Thank to this club I can be here today. Also, I think I am a better person. I learned values that help you grow as a person [...] I have always tried to give my best in every training session. And the truth is that during the 10 years I was in the academy, I tried to enjoy every moment.
President Florentino Perez also touched on Carvajal's rise through the youth ranks when introducing him for the presentation:
You, Dani, are familiar with the principles and values of Madridismo. You've learned them from your time with la fábrica and now you begin an important time in your challenge of being a part of Real Madrid.
Carvajal's rise to Real Madrid's first team falls in line with the familiar trend of Spanish youth being brought into the side this offseason. Most importantly, as Dani mentioned, he provides an attainable goal for all of the club's talented youth. We welcome you back, Dani, and hope you can continue your promising career for many, many years here at Madrid.