Trezeguet relishes Merlo clash

River Plate striker David Trezeguet said playing Deportivo Merlo would be no different to a game against Real Madrid.

The former French international fulfilled a boyhood dream in January when he completed a free transfer to the Nunez giants, and was on target twice against Defensa y Justicia, coming off the bench to help his side to a 3-3 draw.

Trezeguet is expected to start for the first time next weekend in the Monumental, and he affirmed that he could not be more excited or focused even against the Spanish powerhouses.

“I approach playing against Defensa y Justicia, like on Saturday, or against Merlo the same way I did when I faced Real Madrid. With the same objective as ever: to show that we are the best,” the forward told La Red on Tuesday.

Trezeguet said, despite reaching the pinnacle of world football in Europe, representing Los Millionarios is a unique experience for him.

“I am feeling things that I have never felt before. Not with Juventus, nor with Monaco and not even at international level with France,” he said.

“Being a fan (of River) and seeing the enthusiasm that exists in this team, all the people and all the pressure… I am full of adrenaline, more so than ever before.”

Born in France but raised in Argentina, the 34-year-old started his professional career with River’s local rivals Platense before moving to Monaco at the age of 18.

In addition to various honours at club level, the striker also won the World Cup and the European Championship in 1998 and 2000 respectively.