As a professional football player, I have known perfectly well from the day I started playing that every day I have to fight for my place.

When I left Barcelona, staying in Spain was an important factor in my decision to join Madrid. I did not have to change country or learn a new language, adopt a different sort of lifestyle, and so on.

There was interest from clubs in Italy and England, I believe. But I've never been attracted by the way they play in Italy. Staying in Spain was always my preference.

I really did not think much about the size of the transfer fee when I left Barcelona because it was all down to market forces, not me.

I think he [Raul] is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing.

As a professional football player, I have known perfectly well from the day I started playing that every day I have to fight for my place.

I have a fantastic wife, and not only in terms of external beauty. Her priority and mine is our children. That is our choice.