Ruud van Nistelrooy: I will not celebrate if I score against Real Madrid

October 20, 2011 | 15:52

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The ex-Bernabeu forward, now at Malaga, is looking ahead to welcoming Jose Mourinho and company to La Rosaleda as domestic action in Spain continues this weekend.

Malaga striker Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he will drop celebrations if he scores against former club Real Madrid in Saturday's Liga clash at La Rosaleda.

The 35-year-old Dutchman is preparing for battle and hopes to help his side rediscovers winning ways following Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Levante.

Van Nistelrooy played for Madrid between 2006, when he joined from Manchester United, and 2010, when he left for Hamburg.

But talk of any goal celebrations is out of the question if he finds the target against the Spanish giants.

"If I score against Madrid I will not celebrate," he is is quoted as saying by Marca. "I am not really thinking about this [scoring]. We just want to prepare well for the game."

Playing against his former employers means a lot to the veteran forward, but it will also be special for other ex-Madrid stars.

Julio Baptista was also of Madrid fame, while coach Manuel Pellegrini was in charge at the Bernabeu between June 2009 and May 2010.

"It is a special match for us and more so for those who played for Madrid," added the striker.

"Madrid are in great form and they have been scoring plenty in recent matches."

Despite the loss to Levante, Malaga has enjoyed a decent season in the league so far and is currently sixth in the standings on 13 points - three behind Jose Mourinho's men, who beat Lyon 4-0 in their Champions League clash on Tuesday night.