travelerheart:

In this tough year, what was the moment that impressed you the most?

The last game with Real Madrid impressed me the most. All the fans asking you, that my teammates decided to ask me, the words Sergio Ramos said before that.. During this past five years in Madrid, that was one of the moments if not the most beautiful moment I’ve lived in this club. Is one of those moments that stick with you your whole life.

You felt the appreciation from the fans? Did the ovation of “El Bernabeu” touched you? 
 
It thrills me the affection, I was thrilled because my teammates also showed me their support. This are things that gets to you. I was able to win a title with Real Madrid and for that recognition I had to work hard..

What’s the meaning of the signed shirt by your teammates after winning “La Liga”?
 
Nothing that was said. 

It looked like a good-bye. 
 
They signed it like they did after we won the last two leagues. I’m grateful for my teammates support. I felt it.

You feel loved in this team?
 
Yes. I get along with everyone. I’m always with “Fideo” (laughs). We watch some River and Rosario Central games together. Real Madrid have a healthy team. 

What change when you became one of Real Madrid’s captain?

I was able to fulfill a dream of being Real Madrid’s captain. I didn’t served as the captain but wearing the armband was a dream come true and an honor. There’s only one captain and he’s good. 

After finishing the season with Real Madrid, were you able to relax?
 
I had four or five days off and I disconnected myself. It was good. I saw my godson Renato, my nephews Santino and Mora, my grandmother, my friends.. Those days helped me. I try to be as simple as possible. Maybe I’m a little closed, homey and I think about a lot of things.. I tend to over think things I shouldn’t, but that’s who I am. I try to be very transparent. I like to joke around in the locker room, make people laugh, transmit my happiness although I have my angry moments like everyone else.

After a season in Madrid, do you suffer physical exhaustion or is it more psychological because of the pressure?
 
Both. Physically because you’re always playing and mentally because it’s hard. It was a tough year, we were there in the Champions and we won La Liga. It was a stressful season but I’m happy to have won La Liga at the end. It excites me what I’m living with Real Madrid and with Argentina.

There’s a new season coming. In what stage is your career?

I’m in a beautiful stage. I just won La Liga with Real Madrid and I’m with Argentina. I want to enjoy it. Everything goes by so fast. I work really hard to be here and I want to take care of it. I’ll work really hard to be here again. 

Without a secure spot on Real Madrid’s starting eleven, is it a satisfaction being able to keep up your scoring numbers? 
 
The truth is that I’m very happy with the amount of goals I scored this season. I could have scored more goals.. 

You had a very short vacation, but you look happy to be back with Argentina. 
 
I say this every time I’m here, it’s a pleasure and a privilege. Being a part of this team that’s selected by the coach is a great joy. Based on my hard work I was able to accomplish it again.

Do you feel privileged for being able to play with Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid and with Messi in the national team? 

It’s nice and that’s why I want to take advantage of this moments because they don’t come every day. When I can enjoy them closely I do it. They’re great players. On top of that I can do what I love and for what I worked hard since I was a kid. I keep fulfilling my dreams and always with work ahead.

You keep in touch with Raul?
 
I heard he’s leaving Qatar. He said I was going to stay and that I was a valuable player for this team and I’m very grateful for that. I played with him. I learned from him. He treated me very good. It was a privilege to be able to talk with him, share a locker room, it was a phase with Raul. I lost contact but every time we can we talk, because we get along really well.

Is it hard to seize everything you’ve accomplished with only 24 years?
 
It’s complicated. You always have this talks with the people close to you o I start thinking and it’s crazy everything that’s happening to me. No? With my age, so young, it’s something beautiful and incredible. Is my passion. 

Is there anything common on what Mourinho asks in Madrid or Sabella in the national team?

Sabella asks me to do what I always do in Madrid. Shoot diagonals, unmarks. They’re not the same players but he ask me to do basically what I do in Real Madrid.

You have a weakness for Di Stefano? He has describe you like the most affectionate player with him..
 
It generates awe and idolatry. Mr. Alfredo lived the greatest moments with Madrid. And he transmits that. It’s impressive. I love to listen to him. I always learn from his words.

Real Madrid-Barcelona or River-Boca? ¿Real Madrid-Barcelona o River-Boca?

Both are great matches. River-Boca is more passionate, more trouble, more “quilombo”. Real Madrid-Barcelona is more organized even though you know someone is watching you from places you don’t even imagine. They’re great “clasicos” to play. It’s an honor to be able to wear Real Madrid’s shirt during those important games. I always try to enjoy them.

How’s the fight between the best strikers in the world? The fight is between Messi, Kun, Di Maria, you.. 

It’s nice. We try to give our best. It’s the coach decision to say who’s at his best, but we’re here to give our best and help the team.

Are you going to set an era? Like Crespo or Batistuta..

I’m just starting. I was fortunate enough to play a World Cup, Copa America, qualifying games.. Hopefully I can set an era, it’ll be really nice but it’s very complicated. I’m very proud to be Argentina’s 9.

Argentina only has one qualifying game against Ecuador. You are forced to win..

Yes. Every team has the opportunity to play for six points, we can only play for three. We have to take advantage of this game and win it.


Spanish article.