It makes you a better player when you're around better competition. If you pay attention, you can learn something.
I started to realise I am not as strong as others, and I can't muscle someone off the ball who is twice the size of me. So I have altered my game, playing on the half-turn, for example, and it's made me a much better player.
I've always had this crazy thought that I have to win something; otherwise, my career's a complete failure. It's ridiculous. Will a trophy change me as a person? No. Will it make me a better player? No. So what the hell am I worried about?
To be honest, there are no problems between me and Messi. People have their own opinions about who they think is the better player. It is what it is, but there is no rivalry beyond games and what happens on the pitch.
The biggest thing for me is that I've managed to work through some difficult times, and those moments always make you stronger. It makes you a stronger person and a better player.
I learned a lot of things that made me be a better player and have more of a variety on the pitch.
I'm a guy that a lot of people look up to. I haven't always handled situations the right way. That's why I have to continue to grow and be a better player, a better leader.
I used to play golf. I wanted to be a better player, but after a while, I realized I'd always stink. And that's when I really started to enjoy the game.
Obviously you try to learn from the past and your mistakes and how you can become a better player as well as a better person.
With experience, you improve. I'm a better player now, more complete than I was when I was player of the year.
