Manuel Cedenilla on Settling In, Madrid and the Season So Far

Manuel Cedenilla joined us this season, and has slotted straight into the side. We sat down with him to find out how life with us has started, from his first days at the club to his first goal in our shirt.

Settling In

How have you adapted, and how are you finding playing at Rimal Al-Sahra?

Honestly, I adapted really quickly. Everyone who works at the club, the coaching staff and the players showed me affection from day one, and it made me feel very loved and important. Because of that, I have felt happy and excited about this year and this new project from the very start.

What has impressed you most in training: the players, the coaches or the facilities?

The seriousness and professionalism at the club, both on and off the pitch. That is what has surprised me most, in a good way. There is an incredible work routine, they help you improve and make sure you feel comfortable in your day to day, and they make everything easy for us so we can perform at our best and give the best version of ourselves.

The Squad

Who is your best friend in the squad?

Everyone has treated me incredibly well since day one. But if I had to pick one, I would choose my apartment mate Samu, “my roomie”. We get on really well and have hit it off.

Madrid and Málaga

What was it like playing in Spain at the Real Madrid and Málaga academies, and who were the best players in your Real Madrid teams as a kid who have since made it?

It was an incredible experience. I was lucky enough to spend ten years at Madrid, which helped me grow and mature as a footballer and as a person. I could name many team-mates who are now at the elite level, but the best known are Achraf Hakimi, Oscar Rodríguez and Luca Zidane.

The Season So Far

What do you think of the start to the season and our results?

I am happy with this start to the season. I think we have a very complete team that is ready to fight for everything. The coaching staff and players are working incredibly hard, and there is a lot of ambition and hunger to achieve something special this year.

What has been your favourite moment in a match so far this season?

My first goal this season was very special, and I hope to keep adding special moments in this shirt.