Much has been said about Guti these days, but the Madridista decided to clarify everything. The midfielder said he is happy at Real Madrid and that he is 100% devoted to the team’s fight to win the title.

Marcelo was meant to give the press conference, but it’s been you instead. You must have something to say…
People have been talking about me for three days. It looks like I’ve killed someone! All of us -myself, my family, my team-mates and the coach- feel rather bad because people are making a big deal out of something that isn’t important to us. I think what happened on the bench on Saturday is not even an issue because I had been warming up from the very first minute. The coach decided there should be rotations every ten minutes. The fitness coach asked me if I was ready and I said I was. People are speculating about something that makes no sense because I had been warming up from the start.

Is your relationship with Juande a poor one?
I’ll tell you how I feel. We have a cordial relationship, but he is using other players. This is part of the game. People are speculating about me leaving the team, that if I do it may be through the back door… It’s too much. It all stems from the fact that I didn’t make one squad list and from what people think happened on the bench on Saturday. The only thing that happened was that I told the fitness trainer I was ready to play. Some people are talking about my personal life when they know nothing about it. I would like those who write such tough and critical articles with disregard to my professional career to do the opposite and have a look at how they and their families actually are.

Have you been punished or is your behaviour actually spotless?
My behaviour has always been spotless, like that of the rest of the squad. The coach decides who plays.

Less experienced players than yourself played on Saturday. How did that make you feel?
Some players want to play more than others. A footballer is always selfish and wants to play all the time. It happens to me and to everyone else.

But you also had a brush with Juande when he replaced you in the derby with Atletico…
We talked about it and that’s all. We talk on a daily basis. When one of us makes a mistake he makes up for it. Juande doesn’t use me because he has faith in other players and things are working out. I can’t tolerate everything the papers and the television are saying; they talk about stuff that has nothing to do with my profession and about what the team needs, which is to win La Liga.

Do you think you are an easy target?
No one has punished me. I’ve been 14 years on this team and there have been times in which I’ve played more and times in which I’ve played less. But very few players stay so long in this team. It’s true that I’ve had some clashes due to my character, but they’ve always been instantly resolved. I’ve never had a problem.

Why do you think your professionalism comes into question?
It’s been happening for a while. I never pretend. I like playing and being a member of Real Madrid. I don’t think anyone ever thinks that way. It’s absurd. I’ve heard a lot for a long time now and it hurts, but my conscience is clear.

A lot has been said, and much of it hasn’t been good, but you have never complained about a thing.
I have always been the same and have never changed. I have never intended to offend anybody. That is who I am and if someone doesn’t like it, I am sorry.

Alter all that has taken place, have you taken the time to think everything through?
I regret having gotten angry and we have discussed it. What really surprises me is what took place on the bench. It’s not very typical in football for a player on the bench to be under the microscope for 90 minutes. It’s more common on talk shows than in sports. I am sure things are misinterpreted if there is a channel that is focusing on one player during an entire match.

Do you have anything to say to fans who have heard that you might abandon Real Madrid?
I am very happy to be here and only want to leave in 2011 with more titles in hand. My only intention is to work hard and convince the coach that I deserve more playing time.

Why do you think Juande isn’t playing you more often?
I have had some long-lasting injuries. It’s taken me a while to get back and the squad is clicking right now. It’s completely normal. Don’t change what isn’t broken. I have to wait for my chance and do the best I can when I get it.

Do you think Real Madrid can win all nine matches that remain?
We have to if we want to win the league because Barcelona aren’t likely to slip up much. We will have a chance if we can shave off some points before the Clasico.