Real Madrid

From the age of 17 when I made my La Liga debut, offers arrived and it's true that Madrid were among those interested. Sergio had a pretty good season, the press began to comment that many teams were interested in him. Not just Real Madrid, but other teams. And that was the reward for the great job Sergio did that season. When a youngster breaks through with those characteristics and that nerve, the big clubs track him. So Sergio came along with that strength, with a fierce energy, and Real Madrid took notice. The move went through thanks to Real Madrid's strong interest in Sergio, and it turned out well for both parties. Everything went through very quickly. Madrid had a need and so did Sevilla. One a football need and the other financial. They reached an agreement very quickly. Florentino told me on the first phone call, when it was agreed with Sevilla. He said, "I just want you to be yourself. Madrid is a great club but it's going to depend on you." And from then on I knew I had to knuckle down and give my very best. He was the first Spanish player I signed, and he had the advantage of youth, the future... I had no doubt. I think it's one of the best decisions I've made as President of Real Madrid. When we signed him, paying such a high price for a Spanish player, so young. That was an issue. But I think he adapted very well to Madrid and his family did a lot to keep him happy, and he's been living here and been at club for 10 years. In that sense it's clear that Real Madrid has won from Sergio's signing. I remember when he arrived, as a much younger kid with his long hair, full of hope and very cheerful, but very strong. He came to conquer the world and he's done it. I made my debut as a sub. Against Celta Vigo. We lost. I came on and didn't play very well. But from then on everyone said, "He came on at the Bernabéu and looked like he was in his back yard." His first game at the Bernabéu, when every player's a little nervous and worried, he came out like he'd played there his whole life. This is one his great qualities, to know how to adapt, permanently, to any type of challenge he's had in his life. It was a big change, because you come to Real Madrid, with the impact it has, every day. Anything you say or do is magnified and of course you're at Real Madrid which is one of the most important clubs in the world. I've always coped well with pressure, and as I was so young I made a lot of mistakes, but was able to learn from them. At Real Madrid you're under pressure from the moment you sign. You should know the badge you represent, the institution it is, and that there's nothing beyond Real Madrid. You have a life, it's not the end of the world, but you know you're representing the best club in the world and that comes with pressure so you learn fast or you don't survive. I had a lot to prove but I focussed on how I had nothing to lose. I was young, surrounded by galacticos who had a lot more to prove than I did. I grew, improved, I was happy, found consistency and from there I tried to show the level of football I had. As time passes, the galacticos leave and you step up in the hierarchy, become a leader and have to transmit it to new players and that generates more pressure. He adapted to the DNA of Real Madrid so naturally that he's become what he is today. He's the captain and he represents the values of Real Madrid. And he did that from his first season, when he became a starter not just for Real Madrid but for Spain. He's a phenomenon that's difficult to repeat. He has grown over time, now he's the captain and a leader for everyone. In difficult moments, he motivates everyone, he has a lot of experience and it shows. When I arrived, he made me very welcome, made my family welcome and he's helped me a lot and I've learned a lot from him. What can I say about Sergio? He's an excellent guy, a great person, a great captain that always turns up. A fantastic person that's helped me a lot, and the truth is he's a very special person at the club. We've had some great moments. For example the League title with Capello, and the League with Schuster when he had a fantastic season, so I have a lot of memories with him. We've also had some bad moments, it hasn't been all joy, but I think the good ones make you forget the bad ones. I remember when I came here, he helped me to settle in a lot. Everything was easier, and I'll always appreciate that. He's the true captain of this team and a leader on and off the pitch. I've always tried to be natural. Anyone who's arrived and seemed a bit out of place because they don't know the city, I've offered to help them. Because I think, in the end, when you go somewhere new, that's what you want. I think that Sergio has a lot to be captain of Real Madrid, but if I had to highlight one thing it would be his capacity for leadership. And his commitment to the club, to his teammates and the supporters, who have also connected with him from the start. Sergio's story is incredible. Incredible. Sergio, a kid from Camas as young as him, who has become captain of Madrid... that's huge. We don't give it enough importance. And today I still have that desire, that ambition and the will to surpass myself every day, which is what keeps the idea alive of wanting to keep growing, whether you're 10 years old or 30.