Real Madrid

Esteban Granero took over from his team mate Gonzalo Higuaín in the press room at Valdebebas for the current pre-season to speak about his feeling both as an individual and as part of the group as they face the coming campaign: "We have many challenges at a collective level; the main challenge for the team is to do better than last year, which was a very good season; and my main challenge is to continue growing and to establish myself in the team". Referring to the potential of Real Madrid he also said: "Real Madrid will be the team to beat for many years".

The Whites’ number 11 started his appearance by speaking of the team’s objectives for the upcoming campaign: "We have many challenges at a collective level; the main challenge for the team is to do better than last year, which was a very good season". On a personal level he is looking towards his fifteenth season at the club with hopes of being able to continue contributing to the team: "I want to continue growing and to establish myself in the team. I have not thought about leaving and I have not thought about just continuing with the same role within squad. I want to play a more key role, as do all footballers. That is why I train and that is what I am going to try to achieve. I have high hopes of creating a spot for myself and being an important part of the team ".

When asked if Real Madrid are going to be the team to beat this season, Granero stated that: "It is going to be a tough championship and Real Madrid will be the team to beat. The goal and points tally that we achieved in the last campaign are almost insurmountable; we are going to fight to better them. There is little room for improvement on last year’s league statistics because it was such a memorable championship. In other competitions we will try to improve. Real Madrid will be the team to beat for many years, not just this year".

On the reinforcements that may arrive, the Whites’ midfielder said that: "It is the club’s decision. Good players are always welcome. Every year people come and go and it is important that the team gets stronger each year. Improving on last year’s squad is difficult. Those who arrive will arrive, we always have open arms to make a greater Real Madrid".

When questioned about the fact that his contract ends in 2013 and of the possibility of renewal, Granero clarified that he feels very good at Real Madrid: "Is not a problem. It is my fifteenth season at the club and there is no doubt that I like it here and there will be no problem. If Real Madrid want me to be here, I will be". Finally, referring to the choice for the Ballon d'Or he said: "It is a little unfair that it will be an individual prize and not a collective one. Last season there was a team far superior to the rest, which beat records and it would be fair if it were given to a player from that team. That team is ours. It would have to go this team, in which there are many players that deserve it".