His feeling when the result was announced: “There were so many emotions. Honestly, my heart was beating fast and I was hoping he (Ronaldo, handing it over) was going to tell me my name. What a legend! Ronaldo was one of my idols during my childhood. The fact that it’s him who gives me the trophy is an even bigger dream come true. Honestly, there have been so many incredible emotions and memories...I was able to share these moments with my friends, my family and everyone who is here tonight (Monday). I would say it’s a dream come true, but it’s still beyond my wildest dreams. It’s incredible.”
The sacrifices to get there: “People see the end result, they see that I achieved my goals, the victories and the trophies. But it's very rare for people to see what goes on behind the scenes, which allows me to be able to do this at the highest level. I talked about my doctor Alejandro. We work so much together, we spend so much time alone in the room, on the treatment table, with needles and all this sacrifice, in the saunas, in the pools of water... It's time that I would like to spend with my children, with my family and my wife. But if you want to be at the highest level, you have to sacrifice some time and things. I think this trophy is a reward for all the people in my life. I have an incredible team around me, incredible people who help me, who put me in a position to be able to achieve my dreams. It’s for them as it is for me.”
A trophy for his teammates in the selection and at Bayern: “Yes, of course. I talk a lot about my team, my companions, because they allowed me to be the player I am. I'm happy and blessed to be surrounded by incredible players, incredible people, whether it's the national team or Bayern Munich. This is an individual price. But I'm happy for them, because it wouldn't be possible without them. I hope I can share this trophy with them and have a good celebration at some point.”
The significance of this Golden Ball for England football: “I think it’s huge for England, for our country. Being here in London was a good time for me. It's been too long, we have so many incredible English players. Growing up, I watched the big guys. Putting ourselves on the map again with this trophy, I am extremely proud. Playing for England is my greatest honour, it’s what I love doing the most. To represent my country in this way is truly incredible.”
Complete striker: “Over the last few years I have become more than just a scorer. I want to help my team in different ways. I think my passing, my defense, my intelligence, those are all the things that can help the team win. That's the goal. I want to do my best to help the team win. I think young boys and girls watching me will see the way I play, see that I put the team first, see that I have always scored goals, but I have managed to do it by helping the team in different aspects. There may come a time when there will be no more positions. If you can play in a different position, it will help you open a lot more doors. Maybe we’ll see that in the future.”
Less brilliant beginnings than boys like Kylian Mbappé or Lamine Yamal: “I had to go through a lot of ups and downs, especially at the start of my career. I had to show a very strong mind when I had difficulties when I was younger. I had good people around me to help me in these situations. But sometimes it was me and my own brain. I had to find a way to believe in myself. I had to find a way to work harder. When you're alone, when it's raining, when it's not very pleasant to do it, I found ways to improve and get the upper hand on other players who had more ability than me. Since then, I think it has helped me become a professional because I never take anything for granted. I know there will always be someone who, like me, will try to take my place, whether with the England team or with Bayern. I always try to remember that. The way I train, the way I play, it's always like I'm 15 or 16 years old with things to prove. This is what allowed me to win this incredible trophy. And even now, winning this trophy, I tell myself that we will see if I can be even better and win it again. This will be my state of mind until I retire.”
The Premier League goals record: “If I think about it? Not at the moment. I love life in Munich. Bayern is a very good club. We have an excellent team, a very good coach (Vincent Kompany). So at the moment I only think about Bayern and I am extremely happy. Winning trophies like this shows why I took the step of coming here. Of course, there are always ambitions, there are always dreams for new goals. I always have a lot to achieve in this game. The Champions League at club and a big trophy with England, that's the priority, that's for sure. I have learned in my career, in my life, that there is no point in talking a lot. You have to work and see where it takes you, believe in what you are going to do.”
The celebrations and the next few hours: “I’m going to be at training tomorrow morning (this Tuesday). We pushed the session back an hour, thanks to the boss, thanks to Vinnie. So we have an extra hour to celebrate, or maybe an extra hour in bed (smile). I have my friends and family here. We're going to go celebrate a little, of course. We have a German Cup match on Wednesday, so unfortunately it won't be too festive (smile). I want to appreciate it. This opportunity, of course, doesn't come around very often. So you have to enjoy these moments, appreciate the good times for all the sacrifices made.
Vincent Kompany: “He called me this morning very early, at 9 a.m. I just got out of bed, unfortunately. So I couldn't answer. He just wished me the best. I asked him how he felt (Kompany recently felt unwell, Editor's note). He told me that he felt good, that he felt like a man. So, I know he's the type of character that just wants to be back with the team. He wants to be on the field with us. But it’s important that he rests. He has had a difficult time with his health recently and we can assure you. But yes, it will be huge for me to come back to Munich and see him, the whole group, all my colleagues.
