During a career there are some steps we need to take growing up, that's natural.

I love challenges.

I try to improve and learn, that is good for my career.

Zidane's success comes from transmitting calm and never changing that no matter what is happening. That serenity and tranquility conveys confidence and security. He talks little but when he does, it matters.

I have my style of play and people can criticise me for that which is not a problem.

I have memories of watching the Champions League as a kid in France. We all supported different teams and they were intense moments. Great memories.

I've been playing more regularly in 2015 because of injuries but also because of technical decisions.

I'm proud to represent my country.

When they are stronger I try to pass in front, that I cannot play. Like Lukaku, for example. He is the strongest forward in the world. He is pure power.

It takes a great strength of character to arrive at Real at 18 years and make a journey like I have so far.

Mourinho kept his word. In the two years I played for him he always kept his word, and he also knew when to throw me in at the right time.

Winning the Champions League is the dream.

It would be against my nature if I shouted or banged the walls.

Pogba is a good player, I know him very well. For any team he would be fantastic.

I trust my team-mates.

The thing with Mourinho is he asks you to do what you are good at, but not to over-do it.

You cannot have the career I'm having, staying at Real Madrid for seven years, without character.

I was inspired by players like Pepe or Sergio Ramos because they are defenders and by someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is an example for any footballer.

Sergio Ramos has a winning mentality and has great experience.

Kylian is very important for France. We count on him very much.

Kylian keeps learning and going forward, which he does very quickly. It's good that he is ambitious. He is self-confident, it's good. He always wants more.

Things come naturally in a career. From experience, I know that things progress season by season.

One player who gives me a lot of advice at Real is Pepe. He's taught me never to give up. He always gives 100 per cent on the pitch and he tries to instil that winning mentality in me.

I watch a lot of players in my position, but if I had to name a role model, I'd say Lillian Thuram because of the way he carried himself on the pitch and everything he did in his career.

I just play to my strengths and my ability.

In Madrid there is a lot of competition.

To play for Madrid for 10 years and also being the number nine you have to be very good and have a huge mental strength.

I feel more comfortable with fast players because I try to control the depth. For my qualities, it's what I prefer.

You have to play differently. I try to be more complete to annoy any striker.

When there's a need for someone to speak, I'm there. When there's tough times, I'm there.

I see football as a team sport, I'm not looking for the spotlight.

What's for sure is that the profile of the central defender is evolving. At one time it was all about the stopper and the libero. Today, central defenders have to be more complete.

I'm quite shy and quite reserved. But when things start heating up, I don't hesitate to show my character, whether that's in good moments, like when we won the World Cup, or more difficult moments.

It's the desire to keep winning. Each season the counters are reset to zero. You've either got a title to defend or one to go and win. We want to keep making our honours list longer.

To experience a Euros in France is hugely motivating.

It takes a great strength of character to arrive at Real at eighteen years and make a journey like I have so far.

When you don't believe in me, I don't say anything but it titillates me.

A good run is always good. It helps us to wear the colours of the France team.

Having played an international competition is definitely a plus.

At 20 years old I'm eager to play and to watch from the sidelines isn't easy.

I am very happy at Real Madrid.

I know the players with whom I play well.

We're not going to win 5-0 every game.

I am not one to discuss my future publicly.

The most important thing to me is time spent on the pitch.

Interest from Bayern or Man Utd? It is greatly flattering to hear those names, and I even ask myself if that is really about me.

It's hard to criticise Ronaldo. When we come back from an away game at 4 A.M., he is one of the players that goes straight to the training complex to jump in cold water to accelerate the speed of his recovery. He is an example to follow.

During my second year at Madrid, Jose Mourinho gave me a kick up the backside. I wasn't doing well, I wasn't managing to do what he wanted me to out on the pitch. So he chided me, saying: 'Why don't you run in training?' My first reaction was to mutter, 'Oh come on... ' But I knew he was right, I had more to give.

Mourinho doesn't need to give long speeches. He's direct and to the point.

Just imagine, I was doing exams and signing autographs for other students. It was surreal. I'm really proud that I passed.