TIME IS ON MY SIDE

What has been the most memorable match of your United career so far and why?

I'd have to say it was the 5-3 comeback against Spurs last season. I'd never been in that situation before – being 3-0 down and winning 5-3. It was fantastic.

United do that all the time! Your form has been outstanding in Europe this season – do you feel you get more freedom playing in the Champions League than the Premiership?

They're different competitions. We've been lucky this season to get off to a good start in the Champions League and we hope to be able to carry that form into the Premiership as well. Personally, I wouldn't say I get much more freedom in Europe than in the Premiership.

What do you make of the problems being experienced by your former club Lazio? Have you spoken to your former team-mates about the situation and what did they tell you?

I've not spoken to any of my former team-mates about it, but it is a shame that a club of the stature of Lazio are experiencing these problems. It could feasibly turn out the way it did with Fiorentina. But they're a big club, and I'm sure they will improve. I'm sure everyone in Rome thinks the same.

How did the Manchester derby compare to the Rome derby?

All derby matches, whether in Rome or in Manchester, stand apart because they are so special. There's something different about them, and although the Manchester one wasn't a great game and I wish I could change the result around, it was a great honour to have participated in such a match with all the history and glamour behind it. It was a good thing.

And the fans?

You can say that the passion that comes with football is the same all over the world. Everyone cares passionately about their teams. There is a difference in the atmosphere at the games, however. It's intense in both place, but it just feels different somehow. It's hard to explain.

Alex Ferguson has been very supportive of you. How has his encouragement helped you?

It's helped a lot, getting a great deal of encouragement from the manager all through last season. Sir Alex has always done that, and I'll always be in his debt for that.

The fans have also been very supportive of you during your time here – do you have a message for them?

All I can say is thank you, and that I will try my best to repay you with my actions out on the pitch.