Woodgate Resurrection

Only God knows what’s rolling around in the head of a player after a year and half of injury. Add to that having been transferred to arguably the greatest team ever and not being able to step on the field even once. If that’s not enough, add all the criticism he has had to endure for being ‘injury prone’ and ‘such a waste of money’ for Real Madrid.

Nobody in Madrid knew what to expect. Many Madrileños had never heard of this player. But everyone was hoping, hoping he would be the savior of our defense, of our team even. But hope faded out as the injury didn’t heal and we all begin to wonder if we would ever get to see this mysterious player from England in action.

Enter Jonathan Woodgate. This player could possibly be the answer to Real Madrid’s prayers. His injury may even be a blessing in disguise for himself and Real Madrid. Imagine the desire he must possess at this moment, the desire to get on the field and defend the Real Madrid jersey?

Woodgate was born in 1980 in Middlesbrough, England. He is a world class central defender and has played for the English national team many times since 1999. He first played with Leeds United and then moved to Newcastle United in 2003. He didn’t get much playing time at Newcastle also due to injuries.

Aside from his injuries, he had problems with the law and was sentenced to community service and banned from international duty. Maybe this past year was his own personal purgatory. Maybe he needed some time to reflect, to mature, and to be cleansed. Maybe through suffering and sacrifice he has been absolved of his sins and is will finally shine at his new team in a new country. Apparently, he already speaks perfect Spanish.

So, with the help of Woodgate, the magic could return to the Bernabeu with the final arrival of a fully balanced (and healthy) squad. I sure hope so. Two years is too long.