Dudek spoke exclusively to our Spanish chief editor in Madrid about his time at the club and on Cristiano Ronaldo's new Castrol EDGE documentary which the Pole participated in
(Castrol)
"He loves football like nobody else," said the former shot-stopper. "He can't be your brother, he cannot be your father. But overall he is a very nice guy who tries to get the best out of his players."
Dudek was in the Spanish capital for the screening of 'Castrol EDGE Presents Ronaldo Tested to the Limit' documentary premiere. As a former teammate of the Portuguese superstar, the ex-Liverpool player was invited to take part in the feature film which is currently being broadcast around the world.
"It was very exciting for me," Dudek told Goal.com. "When they made this documentary they needed a goalkeeper for one or two of the tests. It would have been easier for them to call a goalkeeper who's not professional and make him concede a lot of goals in the tests, but I think it was good they used someone like me in this project."
In the documentary, which was recently broadcast in Britain on Sky Sports, the abilities of Cristiano Ronaldo are examined with a series of elaborate tests. Dudek observed the world's most expensive player at close quarters for two years and the two have remained friends since the Pole left the Bernabeu.
"Ronaldo always tries to be better and better every single day. As a player he is an example and as a person he is very nice," Dudek added. "All this global stuff that makes him look like a rock star, maybe it would make you think that he is different, but he is not like that. He is always very helpful. I would define Cristiano like a normal guy.
After six years and a Champions League title with Liverpool Dudek moved to Real Madrid in 2007. As Iker Casillas' understudy the Poland international had few playing opportunities but has no regrets for swapping England for Spain.
"The experience was even better than I expected," Dudek told Goal.com. "I knew I came here to learn and I knew I was not going to play a lot of games. But I also knew that if I got this job then I needed to do this job very well.
"Apart from football I also learned lots of things. I was surprised to see how we would go to places like Malaga and two thousand people would be waiting for us. We would go to the hotel and another two thousand people were there waiting for us. I was surprised to see how much people love Real Madrid."
Summing up his time in the Spanish capital, Dudek spoke highly of the country that he called home for two seasons.
"I learned a new culture and a new language," said Dudek. "The weather was also different than the one I had in England that’s for sure! Also I learned that Real Madrid is a club that is all about respect. It is the ‘white house’ you know. Respect, that's what defines this club."
Dudek was coached by Mourinho for a single season and after observing him from afar during his time in England he was impressed with the Portuguese coach's approach to the game. "He is different. He loves football like nobody else. The way he manages his teams is also different. He can't be your brother, he cannot be your father. But overall he is a very nice guy who tries to get the best out of his players.
"If you have a problem he will always be the first to help you. These details are what it is important to him."
Real Madrid ended its trophy drought with the Copa del Rey last season but it's been 10 years since they last won the UEFA Champions League. Dudek is convinced the club have what it takes this season to land that coveted 10th title.
"When Real Madrid played the first game against Barcelona this year in the Supercup you could see that this year the club is capable to fight like never before. Real Madrid can face Barcelona like never before.
"I saw many positive things [in that match] good pressure, good organization, good control of the ball and a very offensive attitude. I think this year the Real Madrid supporters will be happy to see how the team brings the titles and gets the 10th Champions League crown."
