Jimenez: Real right to sign Lopez

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez has praised Real Madrid’s decision to sign Diego Lopez from Sevilla in January.

The 27-year-old, who has himself been linked with a move to Real, believes Lopez is now pushing Iker Casillas to become first-choice ‘keeper in the side.

“They made a great decision signing Diego Lopez. He is proving that the club was right to sign him,” he told AS.

“There is no doubt he is producing great performances, and I don’t know if Casillas is fit enough at the moment. I don’t know what Mourinho’s decision (on team selection) would be.”

Jimenez said he was flattered to have been on the radar of such a big club.

“Real Madrid can buy any goalkeeper they want. I suppose that they had a great deal of names, and maybe mine was among them. Sometimes it’s nice to see that they have recognised you,” he said.

Jimenez quick to compliment the quality and depth of Spanish goalkeepers, including Casillas, Victor Valdes, Pepe Reina, David De Gea and Lopez.

“We are creating good goalkeepers and contributing to professional football with a lot of players,” he added. “It’s a great job from the bottom up.

“There is a great school with great coaches. They are helping create many good goalkeepers and are contributing greatly to professional football. Everything comes from below.”