Your return to the team has been spectacular...

This has been the most importamt summer in my life because I’ve been a father and achieved incredible things as a player. The most important things for me were the Euro 2008 title and returning to Real Madrid. I can’t ask for more.

You had a great pre-season and scored a spectacular goal in the Spanish Super Cup.

I am very satisfied with the work I’ve done in the pre-season. I got used to the First Division when I played for Getafe and matured. I know have to work hard to earn a spot on this team. I was motivated in my return to the Bernabéu and I couldn’t have done better.

Has the Super Cup title boosted the team’s morale?

We were anxious to start the season well. Valencia are one of the contenders to win the league and we managed to defeat them with nine men. That means we did a good job during the pre-season and that the team is ready to try to win every title.

What do you think of your opponents in the league?

Every team strengthens itself before the season begins. Six or eight teams will be strong contenders, others will be disappointing and then there will be a bunch that perform as usual with different players. The important thing for us to do is to think of ourselves.

What will be the key to the team’s success?

Unity. There is a great atmosphere on the squad and we are all full of ambition. We all want to achieve great things.

The team hasn’t won at Riazor Stadium in 17 years...

Yes, it’s about time we do, but it is a complicated venue. We must do our best to win and take the first three points at stake. It will be important in order for us to grow more confident and to start at the top of the table. Deportivo have made good reinforcements and will want to please their crowd.