Lucas Vázquez spoke to the media to discuss the Champions League matchday four fixture between Real Madrid and Milan, which will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu (Tuesday, 9pm CET). Before beginning his press conference, the player wanted to remember those victims of the tragedy in Valencia: “I would like to send a message of support to all the families affected by the DANA. These are difficult times. I would like to transmit to them that they are not alone, that we will try to support and help as much as we can and also to convey the pride we feel for the solidarity shown by the people at this difficult time. Hopefully, everything will return to normal and we will come through this as soon as possible”.

How difficult is it to prepare for a match in this situation?
“It's difficult because at this moment football has to take a back seat. The most important thing is the people, and when these tragedies happen, it's difficult to shut yourself off”.

The feeling in the dressing room
“We're all very sad. It's very tough what has happened. There are a lot of people suffering and it affects everyone”.

Reflection on the events in Valencia
“We feel very sad about everything that's happened. This has been a difficult time, a turbulent time, a time when our people have suffered, and it's time for all of us to reflect and think about what has happened. Ultimately, we will all try to help each other to get through this”.

Assessment of the political handling of the tragedy
“I'm saddened by what has happened. People have suffered a lot. Once again the human quality of the people in Spain has come through once again. The solidarity from the first minute has been incredible. People have come from all over Spain to do their bit. That's beautiful and I hope we can learn from these circumstances”.

Do the players have the power to call off a match?
“As the coach said, he's absolutely right. At the moment our opinion or our strength means nothing and we have to be professional and try to do what we are told to do, even if we don't want to do it. That's what we have to do”.

Football's response to the tragedy
“It shouldn't have been played. Football should have taken a back seat. It was the time to be with those affected and to only focus on that”.

Does it not stop because the wheels have to keep moving?
“A lot of things slip through our fingers. There's a big gap between the footballers and the whole organisation. Communication is complicated. Football is an industry in which we the players are the main actors, but we don't have that power of decision and sometimes we have to do things that we don't feel like doing but we have to do”.

What's your message to the football authorities?
“We're very sad about what has happened, about how things have developed. At the end of the day, now is the time to support those affected, to try to help them and to focus on that. There will be time for us to reflect on what happened later”.

Do you feel hurt or embarrassed about what happened yesterday in Valencia?
“I'm saddened by everything that has happened. The images are very hard, it's difficult. We have had to suffer from a distance like that. Seeing everything that happened... it's difficult to put it into words. When you see people suffering and have lost practically everything in their lives, you just have to try to help, and now it's not the time to talk about political issues”.

Role in the team
“Carvajal's injury is very significant for Real Madrid, both on a footballing level and on a personal level. He's a player with tremendous character and charisma. It's up to me to perhaps take a bit more responsibility than I have been doing, to give my best and, most importantly, to try to help the team as much as I can and to give everything I've got”.