I consider the Arabs not as foes but as cousins. In any event, when we are in a savage clash with them, they are, to a greater extent, a sort of family – with all the issues of a family. We need to live with them.

In the Life of Darwin by his son, there is related an incident of how the great naturalist once studied long as to just what a certain spore was. Finally he said, “It is this, for if it isn’t, then what is it?” And all during his life he was never able to forget that he had been guilty of this unscientific attitude, for science is founded on certitude, not assumption.

When my family isn’t alright, I get restless. It just doesn’t seem right to me.

Of course I miss playing for Manchester United. I played there for six years and that’s a long time. I am still interested in watching Manchester United and, you never know, maybe in the future I could return to play there. It’s always possible. I want to fulfil my contract here but, in the future, only God knows. I will not say I am not happy here at Real Madrid. I am really happy and everyone knows this is my club but, of course, I miss Manchester United, the boss, the players, because I left family there.

Tuesday will be a tough night for me. It’s like to return to the family who have not seen you for a long time. I spent a wonderful time there.

I kind of like that romantic image of being in a rocker with my family gathered around, all these generations in one room, listening intently to my stories.

A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.

Those who escape hell however never talk about it and nothing much bothers them after that.

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance.