The ex-Real Madrid player Cicinho has spoken critically about his time at the Bernabéu in an interview with Brazilian television that focused on his problems with alcohol addiction.

The Brazilian attacked various members of the 2006 Real Madrid side over their behaviour during his stint at the club, accusing them of “forming groups” and “manipulation”.

Change of captain started it all

“When Roberto Carlos left, I was in the starting 11, Sergio Ramos was centre back and sometimes right back, and Michel Salgado was the third in line to my spot. They had an election and said that they were going to have a third captain. The first captain was Raúl and the second Casillas, who gave up his captaincy to Salgado so that he could play. That’s where this little group started. Julio Baptista told me that it was over.

“I was the one who was punished. When I went to sit down and tell them I wanted to leave for Roma, I talked with Totti and Doni and they told me that Real Madrid were screwing me over. If I’d been professional, I’d still be there.

"Guti, Raúl and Casillas were the ring leaders"

“Guti, Salgado, Helguera, Raúl and Casillas were the leaders of this little group. Those who joined the group were the ones who were obedient. They manipulated, and they brainwashed the press and the coach (Juan Ramón). For example, one day Ronaldo had a bad game, and the next day it was all over the front pages that Raúl was better than Ronaldo. Raúl would have to be born three times to try and be like him.

"Salgado would act like I wasn't there"

“You were in their country, winning as many titles as them, playing in their position. I arrived there and Michel Salgado had already been at the club 11 years. In the changing room, each player had their own locker and he would go around greeting everybody, but when he came to me he’d just act like wasn’t there and skip over me. That was in the beginning, after I’d already bent down to him and tied his bootlaces. But afterwards, we actually had a very good relationship. He was a guy who never tried to screw me over. He excluded me a bit at first, but then later never. I was the guiltiest one of not having been able to stay at Real Madrid.”

Cicinho was at Real Madrid for two seasons, arriving from Sao Paulo in the winter transfer market of 2005-06 for €4 million. He played 32 games, scored three goals and gave four assists. He was transferred to Roma in 2007-08 for €9 million.