Real Madrid

The doctor who performed the surgery said you are as strong at 32 as you were at 24, when you suffered your first injury, and that you would return to your good old self because you were so eager to play.

Yes. I am doing everything I can for that to be the case. I have sometimes asked myself, “Why do I do all this?” And the answer is to return to football. I still haven’t done everything I set out to accomplish and there is a lot left for me to win on the pitch. That is my main goal.

Ronaldo went through the same hell last year. He made it back, is scoring goals and is even thinking about playing in the 2010 World Cup. Perhaps we will see you back in action with the Netherlands.

You never know! Examples like Ronaldo are great. I was able to speak to other players who dealt with the same injury and the message was clear: know you can recover from it. When you work hard and do what you are supposed to, you will return.

Has the way you have taken care of yourself throughout your career also helped?

I think so. I am in good shape, albeit different. Things like that help. I am ready to run whenever I given the green light.

They say that it is during the worst of times that you realize how much people care about you. Who has been your biggest support?

My wife and family mostly. They know the extent of the matter, that I want to play every week and that that is how I enjoy living. It’s tough, but they have been a tremendous help during these difficult times. My teammates have also been there, like when they took to the pitch while wearing t-shirts to cheer me up. I have received hundreds of emails and card from fans as well. I have a huge scrapbook where they are saved and I get choked up every time I read it.

Have you noticed the care and support from everyday fans?

It has been incredible. People have treated me so well. They tell me that they miss me and that I need to return soon. It’s people like that who motivate me to go to the gym every day and to do another two hours of work.

The Sanitas-Real Madrid Medical Staff have also helped.

I have been in good hands ever since I was injured. The doctors have guided and supported me throughout the process. I can’t name any one specific person. All the doctors and therapists have been very involved in my recovery.

Do you want to continue playing for Real Madrid next season?

Yes. Of course. I have another year left on my contract and I am very happy. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that I will stay. I will get better and I will play again at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Is it hard to watch the team play on television?

It’s worse than being at the stadium. As the weeks went by and we cut points off of Barcelona’s lead, I thought we would win the league. We weren’t winning matches in easy fashion. The team had to battle in each match. We were right there, but everything was pretty much lost after the Clasico. With everything that the club went through, like a change in coach, change in president… you have to admit that the players managed to focus on training, playing and winning. We were right there until the end. I think the team did a great job.

Robben said that football is all about revenge and that the team will be even more hungry to win titles next season.

It’s not a matter of desire. We will start from scratch next season. There will be a new president, new sporting director, possibly a new coach and new players. It will be a new chapter for the club, so let’s see how it goes. We have to look ahead and be professional.

It would be nice to make it to the Champions League final, which next year will be played at the Bernabeu.

It’s an objective that may help in one way or another, but all that matters to me right now is my every day work. I want a work plan, for the team to have a clear system to work with and for all of us to fight together for the titles in play.

Tonight Barcelona and Manchester get their turn.

I am supporting my former Manchester teammates. I think Barcelona need to have a special night to win the Champions League. They cannot beat Manchester if they don’t play their best football. I think Manchester is the favorite.

Have you spoken to Scholes, Giggs or Neville?

Yes. I have spoken to some of them and they are very motivated. It’s their second consecutive final. No one has won back-to-back Champions Leagues in a long time. They are familiar with the way Barcelona play and know they are a strong team.