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José Mourinho: “He’s number one, far ahead of everyone else. As a person, as a coach, for everything he gives to the player, the team, and the club. He gave me everything and I’ll always be grateful. He believed in me at Real Madrid after a World Cup in 2010 that didn’t go well for me, he supported me and was always by my side.”
Arbeloa: “I don’t know what he’s like as a coach. He was a good person, we had a good relationship. It didn’t start well, but it seems he’s sorted things out and looks set for success.”
Benfica vs Benfica and Real Madrid: “I’m torn. Real Madrid are almost through, Benfica are in a tough spot. I was happy at both clubs, I just can’t choose. Whatever happens, happens.”
Ronaldo and Messi: “In terms of professionalism, Cristiano Ronaldo is number one, by far. The way he works, keeps himself in shape, always striving to improve, but he happened to play in the same era as Lionel Messi, which made things harder. Ronaldo was all about hard work and effort to be the best, while Messi was the guy who’d walk into the dressing room drinking mate, but then he’d show he had a God-given talent.”
Leaving Real Madrid: “I didn’t want to leave. They said I wanted to earn the same as Ronaldo, but that wasn’t true. How could I ask for the same as someone who’s won several Ballon d’Ors? I was happy, I’d won the Champions League, Ancelotti didn’t want me to go, but then James Rodríguez arrived and I was the one put on the market.”
