Your birthday is on Wednesday. There couldn’t be a more perfect present than a victory against FC Zurich, right?

A victory against FC Zurich is vital. We want to win the match and I hope it gets us a ticket to the Last 16. It would be a nice birthday present.

They don’t have much standing in Europe, but they proved they can defeat any team when they played at San Siro.

Nowadays any team can defeat you if you don’t do your best. The Swiss surprised Milan by defeating them 1-0 in Italy. We will suffer if we fail to be in top form.

You defeated them 5-2 in Switzerland. I guess the match at the Bernabeu will be similar; Real Madrid will dominate from the start and Zurich will try to capitalise on counterattacks and set pieces.

We hope to control the game. Scoring an early goal will be key to prevent them from growing confident. We must take things slowly and be cautious.

What is the team’s goal in the group stage?

We want to reach the Last 16. It would be even better to do so as group leaders. We depend on Milan because they’ve won the goal average against us. We’ll have to wait and see.

What do you think will happen in the group’s other game?

Marseille are a very good team and I believe the match will be even. Marseille have improved considerably lately and I wouldn’t rule out a surprise on their part at San Siro.

What’s better for Real Madrid, Milan’s victory, a draw or Marseille’s victory?

I'd prefer to seal our pass to the next round, even if it means both Milan and ourselves win our home games. I want to have the peace of mind of being in the Last 16. We’ll play for the leadership in the last match.

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his comeback in the game. What does he bring to the team? How important is he?

Cristiano is a crucial player thanks to his special skills, but he will nevertheless need time to adapt again after missing so many games. We know he is important, but we can’t expect him to be 100% fit right now.

It will be vital to thrill the fans at the Bernabeu from the start of the match tomorrow...

There is always a special atmosphere during Champions League games. We have to thrill the crowd to boost that sort of atmosphere.

What do you need to fully connect with the fans?

We are still adapting. We are gradually improving, but we want to do even better. I think we are achieving this little by little.

Do you understand criticism towards the team’s style?

I think everyone’s entitled to an opinion. Real Madrid players must learn to live with that and we must respect criticism as long as it is constructive and respectful. We must also be self-critical and try to play the way in which we train.

I guess the team is especially excited about the possibility of playing the Champions League final at the Bernabeu next year...

We must first take many steps towards that moment. We can’t afford to obsess about the final. We must first focus on making it to the Last 16.

What’s Pellegrini like?

He is a relaxed coach with a lot of common sense. He knows what he wants. I believe that is very important.

What about kaka?

He is always happy and smiles all the time. He is a different player to the rest.

What do you think of Karim Benzema?

He just needs to score. I’m sure he will win the heart of the crowd as soon as he scores and grows more confident.

What about the veterans like Raul, Casillas and Guti?

They’ve been at Real Madrid for their entire lives. They know the Club inside-out and they are leading figures on the squad and for the fans.

What do you think of yourself?

I don’t wish to describe myself because I wouldn’t do it correctly.

Do you like being on your own in midfield or do you rather prefer to play with others?

It depends on the match and on the moment. I feel comfortable because I’m always backed by people that support and help me. It is an essential part of the pitch that can’t be completely covered by just one or two players.

You had a cast on your left hand during the match against Racing Santander...

I broke a ligament, but that doesn’t prevent me from performing.

Which player on the squad surprised you the most upon joining it?

I knew most of them already, but I have to say Guti is simply brilliant on a daily basis.

Who were your football icons?

I used to pay attention to what Carlos Xavier did at Real Sociedad. Fernando Redondo marked an era at Real Madrid. I also think Pep Guardiola was a leading figure as a player at Barcelona.

You’ve been coached by men like Benitez, Del Bosque, Luis Aragones and Pellegrini, amongst others. Who influenced you the most? What have each of them brought to your game?

They’ve all somewhat influenced me. My first coach was John Toshack, who gave me the chance to make my debut in the First Division. That’s an essential moment for every youngster who wants to be a footballer. It was important to make the leap between Real Sociedad and Liverpool. I learnt how to be competitive and tactical from Benitez, as well as how to read and analyse a match. Iñaqui Saez gave me the chance to make my debut as an international. Luis Aragones meant a lot to all of us. I like Del Bosque very much both on a personal and a professional level.

Have you adapted to Madrid yet? Do you have a favourite spot in the city?

I love Madrid. It is a very dynamic and cosmopolitan city. It has a lot to offer socially, gastronomically and culturally... I try to experience it as much as I can.

What do you do when you’re not playing, travelling or training?

My one and a half year-old son takes all of my time. I try to be with him as much as I can. It’s fun to spend every afternoon with him because he is going through a fun phase.

What have you learned from football that you may teach your son?

I’ve learned how to be ready at any given time. You have to know when to take things seriously and professionally, but you must also know when you can relax a bit.

What did you usually ask for your birthday as a child?

I used to ask for football boots because I used to destroy them. I also asked for footballs. I sometimes wanted team shirts.

What do you want now that you are about to turn 28?

I don’t ask for much. I wish to avoid getting injured and win a title with the team.