Excerpts from an interview Esteban Granero did with El Mundo.

Are you settled in yet?

I found an apartment close to the center and little by little I’m adapting.  I already had pintxos, I’ve gone on some excursions that my teammates suggested…

How do you feel about the fact that many times, you’re known as “the footballer who reads books”?

I don’t know, I’m neither the only one nor the first one to like reading.

Are you still studying psychology?

When I went to London, I stopped, although I’m thinking of picking it up again this year, little by little.  I have a year and a half left.

Does the character of a person affect the way he plays football?

Character is pure learning, and football is a good school for character.  It’s a constant competition, and from the time you’re eight, you’re competing with teammates, with rivals… Great footballers identify with it because they’re special in this aspect.  I always give the example of Raúl, who was extremely gifted in this sense and carved out an era in part due to this virtue.

Are you looking forward to covering up your eye?

Yes, I’m dying to score my first goal.