Being a defender of Real Madrid means being able to make very few mistakes.
Raphael Varane
When you're young you want to show what you can do, but sometimes you have to learn not to over-complicate things.
Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and you have to adapt, keep faith, trust and never give up.
Zidane's success comes from transmitting calm and never changing that no matter what is happening. That serenity and tranquility conveys confidence and security. He talks little but when he does, it matters.
People have wanted me to change and it annoys me. Do we ask Ramos to be someone else? We take him as he is; take me as I am.
First, you arrive at training, prepare for the session, I get treatment from the physios and go straight to the gym to activate the body.
Since I was seven years old, they say 'he's nice, he's nice.' Yes, I'm nice, but that's not all I am.
What is important is to communicate a lot. That's how we manage to create a good understanding.
Don't call me an intellectual. After all, there are a lot more people taking their A-levels each summer than signing for Real Madrid. I was just a good and serious student.
During a career there are some steps we need to take growing up, that's natural.
I love challenges.
I'm obsessed with making progress.
I try to improve and learn, that is good for my career.
I have my style of play and people can criticise me for that which is not a problem.
I have memories of watching the Champions League as a kid in France. We all supported different teams and they were intense moments. Great memories.
I've been playing more regularly in 2015 because of injuries but also because of technical decisions.
I'm proud to represent my country.
When they are stronger I try to pass in front, that I cannot play. Like Lukaku, for example. He is the strongest forward in the world. He is pure power.
It takes a great strength of character to arrive at Real at 18 years and make a journey like I have so far.
Mourinho kept his word. In the two years I played for him he always kept his word, and he also knew when to throw me in at the right time.
I am a shy, quiet and cool guy in life. And I am no different on the pitch.
Winning the Champions League is the dream.
It would be against my nature if I shouted or banged the walls.
Pogba is a good player, I know him very well. For any team he would be fantastic.
I trust my team-mates.
The thing with Mourinho is he asks you to do what you are good at, but not to over-do it.
You cannot have the career I'm having, staying at Real Madrid for seven years, without character.
I was inspired by players like Pepe or Sergio Ramos because they are defenders and by someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is an example for any footballer.
Sergio Ramos has a winning mentality and has great experience.
Kylian is very important for France. We count on him very much.
Kylian keeps learning and going forward, which he does very quickly. It's good that he is ambitious. He is self-confident, it's good. He always wants more.
Things come naturally in a career. From experience, I know that things progress season by season.
One player who gives me a lot of advice at Real is Pepe. He's taught me never to give up. He always gives 100 per cent on the pitch and he tries to instil that winning mentality in me.
I watch a lot of players in my position, but if I had to name a role model, I'd say Lillian Thuram because of the way he carried himself on the pitch and everything he did in his career.
I just play to my strengths and my ability.
In Madrid there is a lot of competition.
To play for Madrid for 10 years and also being the number nine you have to be very good and have a huge mental strength.
I feel more comfortable with fast players because I try to control the depth. For my qualities, it's what I prefer.
You have to play differently. I try to be more complete to annoy any striker.
When there's a need for someone to speak, I'm there. When there's tough times, I'm there.
I see football as a team sport, I'm not looking for the spotlight.
What's for sure is that the profile of the central defender is evolving. At one time it was all about the stopper and the libero. Today, central defenders have to be more complete.
I'm quite shy and quite reserved. But when things start heating up, I don't hesitate to show my character, whether that's in good moments, like when we won the World Cup, or more difficult moments.
It's the desire to keep winning. Each season the counters are reset to zero. You've either got a title to defend or one to go and win. We want to keep making our honours list longer.
To experience a Euros in France is hugely motivating.
It takes a great strength of character to arrive at Real at eighteen years and make a journey like I have so far.
When you don't believe in me, I don't say anything but it titillates me.
A good run is always good. It helps us to wear the colours of the France team.
Having played an international competition is definitely a plus.
At 20 years old I'm eager to play and to watch from the sidelines isn't easy.
