Real Madrid forward Jese has said he is grateful for the help and support of his Real Madrid coaches and colleagues.
The forward, speaking to Onda Cero after Real reached the Copa del Rey final by beating Atletico Madrid 2-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate, also thanked the fans for their backing.
“I am grateful to my colleagues and the fans,” he said.
“But I know I must keep working and earn it on the field.
“Every player has his ambitions. I always want to learn more and that makes me a better player every day.
“I feel good, physically very well, and I have the confidence of [Zinidine Zidane], [Carlo] Ancelotti, Paul Clement, my friends.
“I'm devoted to getting better, whether I start the game or not.”
Jese has been widely praised for his performances this season, with the suggestion even made that he could make Spain’s World Cup squad.
“They are motivating discussions,” he admitted.
“But I have to be in the background, continue to work hard and take advantage of my opportunity.”
Asked specifically about what it is like to work with Zidane, Jese was highly complementary.
“He influences me a lot and deserves a lot of credit. Every day he is supporting me and he is very important to me.”
Jese was unable to find the net in Madrid’s win over Atleti, with both goals coming from Cristiano Ronaldo, who was struck by a lighter as he left the pitch at half-time.
“It was disrespectful and not a good thing to see,” Jese said of the incident.
“But what can we do? He was angry but he stayed on and got on with it.
“There were things about the game I didn’t like but everyone has their own style of play.”
Jese is also of the belief that Madrid’s defence is a primary reason why they have been able to reach the Copa final, where they will play either Barcelona or Real Sociedad
“Not conceding throughout the Cup makes it very difficult to lose games. We must continue on this line. It’s how you win big things.
“Whoever we play it will be a very competitive game, although a Madrid-Barca game is very different.”
