I'm not leaving because we're in a bad situation. I'm leaving even sadder. It's not easy to leave the most prestigious club in the world.

Real Madrid has always been happy with him and we thank him for what he has done here. We wish him all the luck in the future. He asked to leave because this is World Cup year and here he wasn't always going to play. We didn't want to loan him out and only when a big offer arrived did we accept his transfer.

Real Madrid has lost a great professional. Real Madrid has been happy with him and we thank him for everything he has done here. He told us that he wanted to leave because it's a World Cup year and here he ran the risk of not always playing. We wanted to loan him and sell him only if it was a big offer. That [offer] arrived and we accepted.

I would do what I've done at Parma these last 2 1/2 years. It means a specific technical role. Relations with players, coaches and physical trainers,

It was a good result in what was a difficult situation.

We are upset because we've lost a great professional, a top-class player who was always very positive.