Quotes from Sergio Ramos

I don't watch football debate shows on TV, hardly listen to the radio or read the papers.

Bad things can happen even to the best players.

I like that defender-versus-striker battle, that challenge.

The game is 90 minutes long, and there are many phases.

I need to keep quiet and do my talking on the pitch.

I think of myself as someone who gives everything, and I wake up every day wanting to keep growing.

I have adapted and feel comfortable in the middle, but I am a world and European champion at right back.

As long as there are chances, we have to fight to the end. That's Madrid's philosophy.

I think about those who supported me and put up with me, including my wife, my children, my parents, and all Madridistas.

Harry Kane, for example, is a really physical striker but also really skilful. He surprises lot of defenders, but he won't surprise me.

I've played many matches against English clubs and the national team - and I always notice a difference in those games. When you play against the inventors of football, it adds more importance to the result, and you can see that demonstrated by the levels on the pitch.

I don't care whether I play on the right or in the centre. All I want is for the coach to have faith in me.

It is good to have competition.

There are sometimes easier games and others harder, but the Champions League always requires enormous concentration.

I'm a very temperamental person, but when you are wearing the captain's armband for Real Madrid or the national team, it's best to express yourself in a different way. You have to maintain a sense of unity - a good atmosphere where everyone feels happy is one of the keys to success, and that's something you shouldn't lose.

We have to take advantage of the power of football and show solidarity to people who are facing hard times. The fans give us so much love, and we have a responsibility to take that love and project it somewhere important, such as children who are in great need.

It takes many years to prove yourself the best in the world.

It doesn't really bother us, the team that is in fashion or that is being talked about the most. Whatever praise or criticism we receive doesn't really matter.

It's up to the coach to decide who is in the best shape to play each match.

I am the captain of Madrid, and I will defend my team.

We all know the demands at this club, but I'm ready for this responsibility to make sure every Madridista is happy.

You have to give the Ballon d'Or to the best player in the world at that time. Any differences between what the players are like as individuals should not affect who is chosen for a personal award.

Disrespect is bad for the atmosphere around a team.

The team needs a leader to handle everything with rules and constant stability. Mourinho is the ideal man for that job, and we are delighted about it.