We are Madrid, and we want to define our own philosophy. We don't want to be compared to anyone.

I have met him a few times. What can I say - Maradona is one of the best players in football history.

Tottenham was my first international club. I spent four glorious years there, and the fans were brilliant with me. I only have good memories.

All my future plans are related to Real Madrid, and there are no other clubs on my mind. I'm so happy here along with my family. Few players have ended their career here, Zidane being one of the exceptions. I'd like to be one of those players, too, but time will tell what the future holds.

When I spoke to some players that had already played in the Premier League, they said it was going to be very difficult, but I put in my head that by working hard, you can achieve your goals.

The success that Americans are said to worship is success of a specific sort: accomplished not through hard work, primarily, but through the ingenious angle, the big break. Sit down at a lunch counter, stand back up a star. Invest in a new issue and watch it soar. Split a single atom, win a war.

When you fail, things get real. In fact, they get real real. If your success was a high profile success, then your failure will be a high profile failure. Opportunities and 'friendships' will evaporate. Failure shines a bright light on all relationships. The ones that last are pure and true, which is a true gift.

I wouldn't wish overnight success on anyone. You have no real friends. Everyone works endless hours at different studios, so far apart. Even on your own lot, relationships were formal and often competitive.