When you change coach it's because things have not gone well.

A player does not make a team.

I'm not a star. I am a football player, a team player.

It is clear that Schalke is a special club and it is because of their fans.

I'm fortunate to have a great family.

I never tire of repeating that I feel at home at Schalke.

I spent 17 years at Real Madrid and nobody can doubt that I'm a 'madridista.'

I like to do things step by step.

In my head the word surrender has never existed, because that is what Real Madrid is about.

At clubs with constant media attention it is harder.

I respect the decisions other players make but my life has always been about playing and all the rest of it did not really interest me.

Joining Madrid is the best thing that could happen to anyone.

I love to play, but to coach is very different.

It is necessary that the coach has things as he wants.

My first choice will always be Real Madrid, but working at a global level for La Liga can't possibly offend anyone.

This is Real Madrid. You have to win titles every year. And if you don't? Oof, it's complicated.

The demands at Real Madrid are huge. The expectations are enormous. Sometimes, it is good. When you're winning, it's an amazing place and the fans are happy.

It's important to get match rhythm.

Schalke will always be a part of my life.

In the Bundesliga you don't have much time with your family.

It was only a matter of time until my records fell.

All kids have the dream of becoming a professional soccer player, but to become that you need so many things. You have to have talent, be hard working, have support, have discipline. You also have to have ability, physical and technical, and understand the game.

The things you learn when you're young you don't forget.

I'm not going to lie: not playing football will be very difficult for me.