Interview Real Madrid right-back full of optimism after Euro despair

Tears streamed down Dani Carvajal's face when his hamstring gave way during the Champions League final. He didn't need to be told that his Euro 2016 dream was over, but he immediately began looking to the future. Today, the Real Madrid and Spain right-back is a cannon of a player, a physical attacking threat who makes Los Blancos' right wing flow and whose defensive maturity makes him Spain's No. 2.

At 24 years of age, Carvajal's future is full of challenges and looks to be even brighter than the present, which says something given that this is a player who already boasts two Champions League conquests in only three campaigns.

You made your debut with Spain two years ago in Paris [in a friendly against France]. What has changed since then?

"I've been unlucky with injuries in the past year and couldn't enjoy continuity in the team, so I'm looking forward to a fresh start with a new coach. I'm excited by the prospect of going to the World Cup in Russia in strong shape."

Spain's road to World Cup qualification is not rosy: Italy, Albania away, Israel...

"We have a chance to seek revenge against Italy and it's a nice match-up, but we can't afford to neglect the rest of the group. Albania and Israel are strong teams that will take a lot of effort to beat."

Can Spain return to where it was?

"Yes, because we have a strong foundation and very good players. This team wants to conquer the world again, and with a little spark we can get there."

Iker Casillas has been the captain as long as you've played for Spain. Do you find it strange, as Sergio Ramos does, to look around and not see Iker in the squad?

"That's normal, because Iker has been a part of the squad for so long. He has been a leader for so many years so it has to be weird to not seem him with us as captain. But as the coach says, the door isn't closed to anyone."

You were part of the core of players that won the Under-21 European Championship with Julen Lopetegui in 2013...

"I have been fortunate to share a dressing room with Julen. We became champions in Israel and were dominant, it was wonderful. We want to repeat those successes with the senior team."

The basis of that team is here...

"Many of us come from that U21 team, and we also have players with a lot of experience like [Sergio] Ramos, [Gerard] Pique, [David] Silva and [Andres] Iniesta, so it's a strong and balanced squad."

How did you experience the European Championship?

"It was difficult at first, because I was set to be in the squad and fulfil a dream. Then, I watched nervously as a fan, biting my nails and cheering the team on. It was disappointing to lose to Italy and come home so early."

What went through your head when you found out that you wouldn't be at the European Championship?

"I know my body, and it was clear when I got injured in the Champions League final that I would likely miss the tournament. It was a big blow when the medical tests confirmed that I had lost the battle. But it's important to consider the positive side. I recovered two or three weeks before the pre-season and started training on my own, that has allowed me to be in the great physical shape that I am in now."

Do you see yourself as a starter with Spain in this new era?

"Not even close. There are many good players in my position such as Juanfran, who could return, Sergi Roberto, Hector Bellerin... we will all fight to make it difficult for the coach."

Are we now witnessing the best Carvajal?

"I feel good. I'm now 24-years-old and I'm not the youngster who came to Madrid three seasons ago. Back then, I made more errors when under pressure. I've matured a lot defensively and offer more clarity going forward. I think I'm a better player now."

In what areas do you feel you've improved the most?

"I still play with great intensity because that's in my DNA, but I use my head more. A few seasons ago, I would go overboard at times and pick up more cards. I'm more controlled in my actions and my positioning is better. I pick the right moments to attack so as to surprise the opponent and create threatening situations."

Your goal in Norway [in the final of the UEFA Super Cup] left Europe with its mouth wide open.

"I felt good physically. I retrieved the ball and said to myself that I want to win this, and it happened."

Your path in club football hasn't been easy. You went to Germany and returned to Madrid to face competition with Alvaro Arbeloa and then Danilo. What made you the proudest?

"Becoming a member of the first team squad at Real Madrid. It's a dream I had since I joined the club 10 years ago. I had to leave Real Madrid Castilla and go abroad to earn my return, and found before me a squad that had won everything with Arbeloa. I gradually earned a starting role, and then Danilo arrived. I was in the preliminary squad for the World Cup and then missed the European Championship due to my injury. These tests make you stronger."

At 24 years of age, you already have two European Cups.

"It's not a bad haul! I hope to add to it. I've played in three Champions Leagues and won two of them. It seems easy but it's anything but. There are many great players from the history of football that don't even have one."

What would you pick if you had to choose between the Champions League and LaLiga this season?

"I would be thrilled to win LaLiga because I've never won it. It's a reward for playing consistently all season. It would be special to add the league and Supercopa de Espana to my title collection."

This Real Madrid transmits a stability that seemed impossible not long ago.

"I see a team where everyone is happy, even though some play more than others. We all row in the same direction. If one player leaves the team, another one comes in with more enthusiasm, and everyone fights hard for a starting spot in training. [Zinedine] Zidane doesn't have set starters and substitutes. Those who play have earned it."

What are your thoughts on Real Madrid's rivals?

"I expect Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to fight with us until the end in LaLiga. The two of them, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Manchester City are some of the very good teams in the Champions League. Those are the teams that tend to remain in the business end of the competition, and a single mistake against them can kill you."

Real Madrid boasts the most players in La Roja. Has this erased the idea that all the best Spanish players are from Barcelona?

"It's a generational thing. Barcelona had a batch of great Spanish players. Now, Castilla is on the ascent with [Alvaro] Morata, Nacho [Fernandez], Lucas [Vazquez], myself... we are at the right age to demonstrate our level with the national team."

Pique takes a lot of shots at Real Madrid. What is it like to be around him in the national team setup?

"He seems like a good guy to me, a joker and always cheerful. He is a teammate here and the relationship is normal."

He seemed to taunt Real Madrid when he talked about the Champions League draw...

"Everyone has their opinion and can say what they like about the draw. Whoever wins the Champions League is the best team in the competition. I raise my glass to whoever wins, and I don't care about who I faced."

Who is your ideal right-back?

"Michel Salgado was my idol. Then when I grew up, my reference was Philipp Lahm. I have two of his shirts."