"This just encourages me to work harder" After signing his improved contract extension, Sergio Ramos was very satisfied and content with the idea of giving back to Real Madrid the faith the he has earned on a daily basis on the pitch. The new contract only confirms the significance and notoriety the Madridista defender has gained within a Club that hopes to see him donning the white shirt for many years to come. This improved contract comes just at the right time because it recognises your great work last season, don't you think? Honestly, I am very happy with the way things have unfolded. I had complete faith in the word they gave me some time ago, and they came through at season's end just as promised. You really do feel a lot calmer, and being compensated for good work is always nice. We managed a major accomplishment this season, and what we want to do now is continue working hard to win many more titles. With a contract like this, what I have to do is continue pushing my self to the limit in order to improve on a daily basis. The entire squad won the League, but what is clear is that your name was being mentioned by many because of your work, your attitude on the pitch, etc... And this was the way to pay you back. I really am pleased with my individual performance because things turned out very well. I am thrilled with the way the Club and fans have treated me. I think we have to point out the team's work, because even though it went through bad patches, it knew how to pull itself together. We knew how to take advanatge of our rivals' mistakes and we achieved our goal when all was said and done. I will always be grateful for this recognition that the Club has decided to give me and it just encourages me to work harder. This year all you defenders will have to work very hard because there is so much competition among you. Whatever is done to improve the squad is warmly welcomed. I like for there to be competition and players who play my same position. We're all starting off with a clean slate and a new coach, so everyone will have to do what is necessary for a spot. What are your thoughts on Metzelder? Metzelder is very good. When a player joins Real Madrid it's because the Club is familiar with him and because he satisfies a series of requisites to play here. I have seen him play and I like him as a player. He moves up to attack, he's got a dominating aerial game, and he scores for his team. Let's hope that's the case with us, too. Your holiday is almost over. Have you started thinking about next season? Honestly, no. I've disconnected from everything that happened during the year and have been enjoying my vacation. I know the preseason begins soon, but I'm pretty relaxed.