Isco praises Zidane for playing him in an advanced position

Friday quote round-up is here. Today, Isco talks about the importance of Zinedine Zidane; and Benzema says it would be crazy to leave Real Madrid (obv, Karim).

Isco

"I've grown as a footballer," Isco told the media after his contract extension. "I've improved, and perhaps I score now as I play closer to the area.

"Zizou [Zidane] has been very important. He's put me there [in a more advanced role]. I've also had to have patience when I didn't have as many opportunities. But it has always been my idea to stay here and hopefully I do for many years.

"The truth is I'm very happy and proud to be able to keep playing for the best team in the world. Eleven trophies in four years is unbelievable – I couldn't have hoped for more."

"The boss has been very important for me," Isco added. "He has given me a lot of confidence in difficult moments, and I've responded to that.

"I think he's right, because I'm now playing further forward. He knows me, has done for many years and knows how to get the best out of me.

"Since the day he arrived he has always told me that he's counting on me, that he trusts me, from the first moment.

"I've been patient when others have been more involved. That's what a team is all about, but I took my chance."

Isco signed off by explaining what Real Madrid means to him, and he was unequivocal about the stature he believes the club has.

"It's hard to explain [what Madrid means] in words," he said. "It's the biggest club in history.

"Everyone wants to be a Real Madrid player. I'm lucky to here with the best players in the world. Madrid has helped me achieve many of my dreams since I was little."

Benzema

"(Real Madrid) is the best club in the world," Karim Benzema told BeIn Sport France. "It is a pleasure and makes me proud.

"The expectations are very big and every season you start from scratch. You have to work to keep yourself at the highest level.

"If you are a starter here, you do not need to go elsewhere. I think we are in one of the best stages of Real Madrid's history.

"The team is very strong, it's not just a matter of those who are usually the starters; the substitutes also make a difference."

When asked about the Neymar transfer, Benzema said: "I will not say I was surprised, because he does what he wants, although it seemed strange. He will have his reasons, no doubt."