Speaking to ESPN, the ex-Madrid star said: "This was one of the seasons I think I feel most proud of myself, because it was a position that it's been a long time since I've been through a moment like this, where the coach doesn't count on you, but you keep working, keep doing things well.
"You can be sure that, of course, you want to win titles, but one of the most successful seasons of my career, without a doubt, was this one. For turning things around, with hard work and dedication."