Sir Alex has a special place in my life. In fact, he was the main man. I was not famous, I was not a star. I arrived at Old Trafford as just another young talent. He was the one who told me to do all the right things. He gave me the opportunity to play in one of the biggest clubs in the world. So he is one of the most important people in the world for me. I worked with Sir Alex for a few years and I know he deserves ­everything that he has achieved in his career. He works so hard, he is clever, he has experience, he is a human guy.

Madrid and United are the two biggest clubs in the world and it’s a real 50-50. It could go either way. Manchester was my home and still is in my heart. I love it. Because when people treat you very well you never forget that. And I will never forget United, the people who work there and the supporters. So I am so happy to be going back to Manchester.

Every season is a new challenge to me, and I always set out to improve in terms of games, goals, assists.

People whistle me because I am good-looking, rich and a great footballer. They are jealous of me.

If I can have the chance to be the best ever, then that would be perfect.

When you lose a person you love so much, surviving the loss is difficult.

When you've got a player who does what he does at that pace this late in the game than you know you've got an invaluable talent.