Heinze, who only moved to Real after United blocked his dream switch to Liverpool in the summer, told Onda Cero: "Manchester never believed a big-name club would ever want me. Thanks to God I can't ask for anything more."

However, the Old Trafford favourite also said: "I love English football because it allowed me to play at my best. I learned how to be a football professional. That said, in Spain they play a lot more football. Football there is very fast, while here there is a lot more talent. I really like Madrid a lot. Having the sun shine every day is priceless."