According to reports, Senderos, born in Geneva (1985), had heard stories about the magical nights at Bernabeu and the greatness of Real Madrid. Being part of that historic night, where Arsenal defeated Real Madrid with a Thierry Henry goal, eliminating them from the Champions League, was an unforgettable moment for Senderos. This defeat even led to the resignation of Florentino Perez, then-president of Real Madrid, a few days later. Senderos still holds the memory of that night close to his heart.

Senderos speaks six languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Serbian, and is even familiar with Persian due to his Iranian wife.

Senderos believes no stadium has given him the same feeling of uniqueness as Bernabeu. Regarding the possibility of Real Madrid making a comeback against Arsenal in the second leg, he says Bernabeu, with its history and grandeur, can put any opponent under pressure. Despite Arsenal’s 3-0 lead in the first leg, he believes if any team can overturn such a result, it’s Real Madrid at home.

Senderos spoke about tomorrow’s match in an interview with AS.

What are you doing now?
I live in Geneva. After retiring, I studied sports management in the Spanish Federation and worked at Servette, where I played since I was five. I also completed a club management course and have a UEFA A coaching license. Now, I collaborate with FIFA and Arsene Wenger on development projects and work with associations in the Middle East, India, and Turkey.

How many languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Serbian. Due to my Iranian wife, I’m also somewhat familiar with Persian.

Did your father talk about Real Madrid’s comebacks?
Yes, when we were kids, he told me and my brother stories. He sometimes went to Bernabeu in Spain and knew all the players by heart. When Real Madrid came to Switzerland for pre-season tours during Capello and Hitzfeld’s eras, he took us to Nyon. There, I took photos with the players, especially one with Seedorf, who later became my teammate at Milan, which is dear to me. My cousins are still Real Madrid members.

Was playing at Bernabeu your dream?
It was my biggest dream. My room was full of posters of Real Madrid players and photos with them. I always wished to step onto Bernabeu’s pitch one day.

And at 21, with Arsenal, that dream came true
An unforgettable moment. I was so excited and nervous that I felt sick and vomited before the kickoff. The stadium atmosphere was unbelievable. I had waited my whole life for that moment.

Arsenal won, and Real Madrid got eliminated
An incredible moment. My family was in the stands, and I was on the pitch, just like in my dreams. Thierry Henry scored, and we became the first English team to win at Bernabeu.

Has any stadium affected you like Bernabeu?
None. I never experienced that feeling again. Bernabeu was majestic, and now with renovations, it’s even more spectacular.

Again, there’s talk of a Real Madrid comeback
Anyone who knows football history knows Bernabeu is a special place. Many champions have played and lost there. You feel the greatness and history of Real Madrid there, like the old Highbury feeling in Arsenal’s comeback matches.

Can Bernabeu’s atmosphere affect Arsenal?
Definitely, they’ll feel some pressure, even with a good first-leg result. Arsenal is a good team and will come prepared, but if any team can overturn a 3-0 result, it’s Real Madrid at Bernabeu.

Were you surprised by the 3-0 result at Emirates?
Yes, especially Declan Rice’s two fantastic free-kick goals. I think even he was surprised. Arsenal played flawlessly and deserved the win.

Arsenal ran 13 km more than Real Madrid
That caught my attention. It means each player ran a kilometer more, which is significant. Running doesn’t always directly affect the result, but a team that runs more has a better chance of winning.