Carvajal: In the Champions League final I couldn't stop crying on the stretcher World Cup 2018 Thought his World Cup was over

After an injury that threatened his participation at the World Cup and which caused him to cry his eyes out as he was carried out of the Champions League final on a stretcher, Dani Carvajal feels the happiest man in the world right now.

It's no wonder, because he's doing a job he loves and on the biggest stage of all.

"I still remember when I got into the dressing room and couldn't do anything but cry," he said.

"Now I'm here [in Russia] and I'm the happiest man in the world.

"That makes me stronger for every workout, every game."

It's his first big tournament with the Spanish team (he missed the European Championship in France because of injury), and after Nacho's presence against Portugal, his total recovery ensured he started against Iran and Morocco.

"I feel good, with desire, with enthusiasm," he continued.

"In the first match I lacked a bit of confidence with the ball, but that has already disappeared."

Ahead of a date with hosts Russia, the right-back is clear what's needed for La Roja to progress.

"We have to improve because we have made mistakes," he added.

"This team has the ability to generate chances and score, but we've had failure of concentration at times.

"We forget that we haven't lost for two years, but we are united because we want to give joy to the whole country.

"Against Portugal we competed well and now we play the hosts and we have to be strong.

"They're fast and they will put in a lot of intensity from the beginning.

"There are always surprises and football is complicated if you don't have the courage to win."