The inspiration that led Rafa Marquez to be one of the best center-backs in history

The Mexican defender Rafael Márquez was considered one of the best in his position in the world in his time and has received praise from impressive players such as Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, Pep Guardiola, among others. His adaptation to Europe was not complicated at all, and he developed as a player quickly.

The Kaiser of Michoacán, as he is known in his country, has declared on many occasions that he was passionate about playing the classics against Real Madrid. One of his favorite games was precisely against his greatest rival, when Ronaldinho came out cheered by the Madrid fans. The main reason he always wanted to face Real Madrid was that he played against the striker who made it the most difficult during his career.

For Rafa Márquez, the striker who made him suffer the most was the Spanish and historic Raúl González, captain of Real Madrid. The Spanish attacker was one of the players who taught the Mexican defender the most and thanks to him he was able to learn many things and become considered one of the best center-backs in the world.

On his way in Europe, Rafa Márquez faced the best forwards in the world, but when he was asked, which one was the most complicated, he always decided on Raúl González. The Spanish is considered one of the legends in the history of Real Madrid and was important for Rafa's growth at the highest level of football.