In an exclusive conference with members of European Sports Media and some of its partners, the Frenchman said why he won a singles title at the age of only 34. He also admits that CR7’s departure was decisive, even then his role was different: “When you have a player on the team who scores 50 goals a season, you have to adapt.”
After many years at Real Madrid and winning many titles, he ended up winning an individual cup at the age of 34. Why did it take so long?
– It’s a very good prize. Why it took so long I don’t know, but now I am a better player, I play better football. This season was the best of my career. But every time I go into the field, I don’t think about what would benefit me individually.
His influence on Real Madrid’s attack, especially on the team, increased with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. Do you agree that the departure of the Portuguese international was in your favour?
When Ronaldo was at Real Madrid, I had a different role. It helped me a lot and I played more in support. Because when you have a player on the team scoring 50 goals a season, you have to adapt! When he left I had to take a step forward, I knew from there I would win many matches. I already changed the numbers, but the gameplay has been the same since I was a kid. I never changed football. When I have to, I stop playing.
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