MACCA BACK ON TRACK AT MADRID
Despite a fine season last year, culminating in that historic win in Paris, the opening months of this season were dominated with stories of Macca's imminent departure.
The England International, who hit the 2nd goal in that Champions League final, was linked with a host of clubs back in England, as well as several Italian sides.
To his credit, the 28-year-old chose to work harder than ever and stay and fight for his place at the European giants, and he has again pledged his allegiance to the Spanish club, saying: "I've always wanted to be part of a successful club. I never wanted to leave here."
The effort that he has put into establishing himself at Madrid now seems to have paid off, with manager Vincente Del Bosque playing him from the start of the match against Leeds in the Champions League this week, in which he was outstanding.
Many people thought that he even upstaged the world's most expensive player Luis Figo at Elland Road, despite playing on the left flank, rather than his preferred right, and when questioned on whether he felt that match was very important to him personally, the winger said: "Yes, because I showed that I can play on the left."
In fact, since his move last summer, the player seems to have grown in more than one area of his game.
"It isn't necessary to dribble past 8 opponents to play good football," he added. "Myself, I like to play without the ball as well. I like to look what my team-mates are doing every time I have the ball, open spaces and search for the best passing option.
"Why insist on having the ball when there is another player in a better position? In the last 10 days I have played in 3 different positions, and I have felt good in them all."
The winger must now prepare for the game in Tokyo next week, against Boca Juniors, which will be another historic opportunity for him. He clearly feels settled in Spain, and is very concerned with how he is perceived by the media and public.
"I don't want people to see me like what is considered a typical English footballer, stupid with money, kicking people, hitting long balls and fighting a lot.
"I would like people to see me like a more intelligent footballer, that doesn't spend all day giving exclusives to the daily papers in exchange for money," he told the Spanish press.
Macca must clearly be hoping he will start again next week against the South American champions, but as ever he was keeping his feet on the ground when asked if he thought he would start, saying: "I hope so."
