In 2000 I was really close to sign for Real Madrid. I was in Belgium, playing the European Championship. I even took a picture with the Real Madrid shirt because all the parties thought that it was a done deal. But Wenger called me several times and convinced me to sign for Arsenal instead.
I always wanted to play for AC Milan or Real Madrid. Real Madrid, of course, because when I was young, the players that played there were the top players. I was looking at Real Madrid as the best of the best. And AC Milan, they also had good players when I was young, so I looked at AC Milan the same way as Real Madrid.
Real Madrid are Real Madrid, and any player would want to be at Real Madrid. Why would I want to leave Real Madrid? I wanted to play, nothing else.
Real Madrid's interest? Yes, it's true, Real Madrid were interested in me. It was an honour and pleasure for me, it means that I have worked well in these years.
Leave? Only if Madrid throw me out. I want to stay in Madrid, I want to continue my life in Madrid.
Perhaps Real Madrid fans won't like me saying this but they say Real Madrid fans transmit enthusiasm but I don't think they do. That's not the reality.
My family have absolutely no problem about me playing for Real Madrid. They have become Real Madrid fans.
It happened to me many times: I had some ugly moments at Madrid, but it all changed, and when I left Madrid, in the end I was much loved.
Hello, it's a dream for me to play for Real Madrid. Thank you for the great welcome. Go Madrid!
Real Madrid is the most important thing that happened to me, both as a footballer and as a person.
When I arrived, Madrid taught me to fight until the end. You win the finals. I've learned a lot with Real Madrid about this.
The history of Real Madrid is impressive, and Cristiano Ronaldo added a piece more to the history of this club, but Real Madrid can't stop. The player changes club, stops playing, retires and Real Madrid will still be here.
I am very proud to be at Madrid. It's something very special, and also to step out into the Bernabeu wearing the Madrid shirt for the first time was a fantastic feeling. The fans gave me a wonderful reception.
I think Pique, apart from the odd personal remark, has never had a bad opinion about any of my teammates at Real Madrid, but obviously, when he attacks Real Madrid, our club, and our institution, it kind of tarnishes all of the rest of what he says.
I am aware of importance of the No.7 shirt. Cristiano Ronaldo had spoken to me at Real Madrid and told me how important it was.
There are not many Cristiano Ronaldos in the world and Real Madrid has made a great financial effort, but Real Madrid wants the best team in the world.