Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has revealed that he could never play for eternal rivals Barcelona.
The 27-year-old, who came through Los Blancos’ youth system and then returned to the club after a spell with neighbours Getafe, showed his intense loyalty to the Spanish champions in an interview with Jot Down Cultural Magazine.
“I am exactly like I play! As a Real Madrid fan I could never play for Barcelona under any conditions or for any amount of gold in the world.
“I could not do it. I would be incapable,” declared Granero, who is known as El Pirata – the Pirate.
Granero insisted that Barcelona’s dominance under Pep Guardiola over the last few seasons, both domestically and in Europe, was not an issue for Jose Mourinho’s men.
“Everyone talks about the greatest team in history but another team beat them by nine points and they don’t stop to talk about how brilliant they were.
“We were much better than them in La Liga! We won in their stadium!
“You must understand that Madrid is a club that never lies down, that limits itself to what it has.
“It rebels and wants to return to where it belongs,” he added defiantly.
Finally, he spoke of Cristiano Ronaldo and was full of praise for the Portuguese international.
“Cristiano is at the top of the tree because he is a player who has fought to be there.
“He is a caring person, a good friend and teammate, who is never satisfied and is also humble.
“When they say he is not humble it makes me laugh. He is one of the most humble guys I know.”
