Real Madrid

It’s striking that your first game in Spain will be at Anoeta.
It’s a nice coincidence. I’m looking forward to it. It will be a historical match for Real Sociedad and it will also be a good opportunity to watch Real Madrid. A great celebration will take place on Saturday and it will be more special to me.

What’s your opinion on your new team-mates?
I’m pleased. Some of them I already knew and others I’m getting the chance of doing so now. Everything is turning out well.

Which team is in best shape, Real Madrid or Barcelona?
There are still two weeks left for the start of La Liga. Barcelona haven’t changed their group of players and we need to get to know each other better and have the same collective ideas.

Is Real Madrid’s squad better than Barcelona’s?
We’llf find out during the season. The teams are different and we need to improve as a group.

We’ve seen you talking a lot to Pellegrini lately. Is your role in the team clear?
They obviously didn’t sign me to play as a winger. My position on the pitch holds much responsibility and the coach knows how I can improve the team so we can become even more competitive.

Do you prefer to play on your own or with a second midfielder by your side?
The good thing about this squad is we have lots of alternatives. With two of us on the pitch the team will benefit in many ways, whereas if I’m the only midfielder we’ll improve in other aspects of the game.

Is winning the three competitions possible?
We don’t have to become obsessed with it. We need to go step by step. Titles are won at the end of the season and we must build up a good base from the beginning to do so.