Overview

• He said last year's award was "of no use to me," emphasizing that returning to his level and enjoying football again matters more after a long ACL absence.
• He has played two matches for Manchester City this season, including one full game, and entered Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria in the 62nd minute.
• He welcomed competition from Martín Zubimendi for Spain’s holding role and told the Arsenal midfielder it was "his time" with "the keys to the team."
• He said he feels "absolutely" over the knee injury and is eager to compete as his minutes are managed in a staged return.
• He recounted advising Lamine Yamal after the Euro 2024 final to keep working and said this year's Ballon d'Or could go to PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé or Vitinha on merit.