What’s your opinion about claims that the Mbappé-Vini Jr. partnership hasn’t worked in important matches?
“People say many things. When there are many good players, people can talk about anything. Mbappé has always given us confidence and goals. We need to be connected tomorrow, especially with our fans, because it’s a tough match where the best players make the difference, and he is one of the best. I have a very good connection with him both on and off the pitch. We are always together and will keep fighting for this club forever.”

How are you feeling?
“Very well. I’ve gone through tough times this season, spent time without scoring goals, and even faced boos from fans, but it was all a learning experience. I’m in my best form of the season, physically fine. I’ve played many matches. Traveling with the national team takes a toll because of time changes, different countries, and everything, but we must be prepared. I want to play for the club, but I also want to represent my national team and be at my best. That’s why I work with everyone at the club, including the staff, and at home with my physiotherapist to stay 100% fit and ready to help the team.”

Possible absence of Kane in the starting lineup
“It changes things because he scores a lot of goals. He’s their striker, but they have a great team where many players change positions, which can make things quite challenging for us. Whoever plays will make it difficult, but we all need to be prepared.”

Does it bother you when people say you lack defensive commitment?
“Of course, it bothers me, but people are there to say what they want, and we need to stick together, understand what the coach wants from us, understand what the club wants, and figure out what we can do to stay connected with our fans. What comes from outside, we can’t change, and it doesn’t affect us, but if we stick together, we can make each other better and do things better. There are two months left in the season, and we have everything to play for.”

How do you see the progress in the fight against racism?
“It’s always a complicated topic to talk about, but it happens often. I hope we can continue this fight. It’s important that Lamine Yamal speaks out, and this can help others. We are famous, we have money, and we can balance things better, but the poor, the black people everywhere, surely face more difficulties than us. We need to stick together. Those who have great strength, the players… I’m not saying Spain, Germany, or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries. Above all, in Brazil and other countries, there are racists too, but if we continue this fight together, in the future, these things might stop happening.”

What do you think about claims that all the season’s problems began when you were seen angry during the Clásico with Xabi Alonso?
“It was a moment that wasn’t pleasant, where I apologized to the team, the club, the coach, and everyone who was there at that time. I also apologized to the fans. It was a complicated moment; I play every match and don’t want to be substituted in any of them. I understood that I was fine and that it wasn’t the right change, but later, after the match, when you cool down, you realize you were wrong. These things happen; I’m young, I’m 25 years old, but I’ve played here for a long time and have a lot of experience. Every day is a new experience, and I can improve. I want to improve in this aspect and keep evolving to be a better example for kids and others every day.”

Militão’s return
“I’m very happy about his return because he’s one of my best friends. He’s been injured 2 or 3 times throughout the season. He is undoubtedly the best center-back in the world, and when we’re with him, we’re better and more connected. When we’re with all the players, we’re stronger, and now we’re seeing everyone come back. Bellingham, Mendy, Ceballos, they’re important players who can help us a lot because there’s little time left in the season, and we need to be fully connected. I think it’s going to be a beautiful end to the season for us.”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.