Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says Esteban Granero deserves his place.

The midfielder has broken into the first team after spending much of the season in the stands.

"Granero is playing because he has great character and a strong personality. He is the sort of player I believe Real Madrid can't afford to lose. He should end his career here. He is a symbol of what Real Madrid embodies and he never lets us down. He is the only player I could be blamed for not using as much as he deserved in the first half of the season," said Mourinho.