"Scoring goals is important but making history is even better"

Against FC Basel you registered Real Madrid’s 1000th goal in European competition, what does that mean to you?

I only found out about it after the match but I must say, I’m very happy to have scored such an historic goal. It’s also something which really gives me a boost to work even harder. Scoring goals is important but making history feels even better.

Do you feel that you have vindicated yourself after all of the criticism you have received?

I can’t really say that it was my response or a question of getting my own back for all of the criticism I’ve had. I know where I am at. I’m at a great club and I know what is expected of me. I am Real Madrid’s striker and it’s only natural that people demand that I score in every game.

Do the whistles you sometimes get at the Bernabéu concern you?

These things always change eventually. It’s something which I experienced myself almost exactly a year ago. The fans started whistling me; they have done the same to some of the great players like Iker, Ronaldo, Zidane... For me, it’s not a big problem. But I plan to work hard so that it doesn’t happen again.

Last season you scored 24 goals and won ‘La Décima’...

When my career is over I will count all of the trophies I’ve won. In the meantime I will continue to accept the criticism I receive without letting it get to me. I’ve even been whistled and booed at the Stade de France! But I enjoy being on the ball, I love playing football and as I say, I won’t let it affect me. I am very lucky because I am at the best club in the world.

The atmosphere has been a little delicate for Real Madrid after the two recent league defeats...

I can’t deny that suffering two consecutive defeats in the league hasn’t increased the pressure on us. That’s why you could feel the tension in the build-up to Tuesday’s game against Basel. We know that we have to win – and win well. The Champions League is very special for us and we really want to show that we are the best side in the tournament. I think we have already done that.

Why do you score more goals in the Champions League than in other competitions?

I honestly don’t know! (smiles). But I would like to point out one thing: Before anything else, I am a player in a team. Of course I am the team’s striker but I know what my role is within the team. I can also be selfish too – I could play solely for myself but I don’t think that would be the right thing to do with the group of players we’ve got here at Madrid. I work for the benefit of the team.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1wI2HIg

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