Here are the fun (personal) parts of the interview. I really want to know more about the music in the locker room!
(I guess there’s only one backdrop for interview pictures, no?)
Q: You grew up admiring Zidane. What did you like most about him?
A: The ease with which he handled the ball, his agility, how dangerous he was in front of the goal. He was a complete player, as cold as ice. I admired that a lot.
Q: Which games that Zidane played in do you remember?
A: Of course, the final in Glasgow with that goal against Leverkusen. It was a world-class goal. I dream of scoring a goal like that, although the important thing is to play in the final and win it. It won’t matter who scores the goals later on.
Q: How do you communicate with your teammates?
A: Sometimes in English, sometime a bit in Spanish. I understand a bit and there’s an assistant coach, José Morais, who translates things for me at times.
Q: How many days a week do you study Spanish?
A: Two or three, depending on if there’s Champions League games.
Q: Do you think that Cristiano is an individualist?
A: No way, he’s a team player. You could see that in the second goal against Espanyol, when he gave a great pass to Higuaín. We’re happy to be able to count on a world-class player like him on our team. He’s very important for us.
Q: Who on the team has surprised you with his quality?
A: (Thinks). There are a lot. I don’t want to leave anyone out. They’ve received me with open arms and I feel like we’re a family.
Q: We want to get to know you as a person. What did your grandparents do when they came to Germany from Turkey?
A: My grandfather worked in a metals mine. But I don’t like to talk about my family because I prefer to keep them in the background.
Q: But your father was someone important for you in your career?
A: Of course, he’s always been at my side, even now. I’m very grateful to my family and friends.
Q: Is it true that he was always on the sidelines giving you instructions in Turkish, which caused confusion?
A: No, no. When I was a kid and didn’t play well, he would point that out, even when other parents told me that I had played well. He was always sincere with me, and that helped me to learn a lot of things.
Q: What is the best piece of advice he’s given you?
A: To believe in myself. I’m a very religious person. I pray before games and that helps me.
Q: What do your parents do?
A: My father was self-employed and my mother a housewife.
Q: Have they come with you to Madrid?
A: No.
Q: Did you feel different growing up in Germany because of your Turkish origins?
A: Never. I’ve never felt hostility. I always had a lot of friends and I still have the same friends.
Q: Did you think your childhood was difficult economically speaking?
A: My childhood was great. I enjoyed it a lot. My family gave me everything I needed.
Q: What did you do with your first big paycheck?
A: It was in Schalke, I got my driver’s license and I bought a car, and I started helping out my family.
Q: Do you consider yourself a shy person?
A: No, but I am reserved. I’m a calm person, but when I’m around my friends I joke around and I could talk a lot.
Q: What do you like about Madrid?
A: I usually stay at home. I was surprised by how nice the people are and how many things there are to do.
Q: What is your biggest defect?
A: I don’t know. I enjoy my life and I’m grateful for what I have. I’m a happy person and I have everything, thanks to God.
Q: Have you been able to play any of your rap songs in the locker room?
A: Some players already heard them before. It was an idea from Nike, who sponsors me. Jan Delay is very well-known in Germany.
Q: What songs do you like the best out of the ones played?
A: I like hip hop, redmanblues [rhythm and blues?].