Esteban Granero says he has always had a good relationship with Jose Mourinho despite joining Queens Park Rangers this summer.
The 26-year-old’s move to the Londoners was perhaps one of the most surprising moves of pre-season, but he says he is adapting well to life in the English capital and reflected on his time at the Santiago Bernabeu under the Portuguese.
“I always had a good relationship with Mourinho and still have,” he said in an interview with Marca. “We swap [text] messages and I have a great regard for him.
“He taught me a lot and I have nothing but good memories and wish him all the best. He didn’t want me to leave but he understood, gave me good advice and helped me in my decision.”
Although Granero’s new club currently sit bottom of the Premier League, Granero maintains he is happy with the city and the challenge he faces at Loftus Road.
“I’ve been here two months and am very happy on a personal and professional level. It’s a different world and the change has given me an injection of energy and excitement.
“I want to experience new things and that will help me to grow both as a player and a person. I need to enjoy this city and also the challenge I’m faced with.”
Asked about his aims and ambitions following his protracted transfer, Granero insisted his objectives were very clear.
“Sure I’ve got ambition because I left the best place in the world to come and make a living. I would have been mad to stay there given the situation I was in, although it was a risk to come here,” he admitted.
“Even so, I don’t regret not having left sooner. I went at the right time as if I’d gone before it would just to have been to escape.
“Real Madrid will always be a part of my life and will always be a part of me.”
Granero ended by talking of his idol Xabi Alonso and how he wears the same number shirt as him for Mark Hughes’ side.
“I wear the No 14 for Xabi and Guti. Xabi has always been my idol and he became my teammate in the dressing room. The way he behaves towards me he is still an idol and also a mate.”
