How's the tan doing? Has it faded since your summer pool-side?
Ha ha. Of course it has - it is not quite as hot in Manchester as it is in Los Angeles!

What did you make of your reception at Old Trafford on your return from injury?
I was very pleased. If you have been to Old Trafford, you will know what the atmosphere is like. It's full every single week and the support the fans show the team is amazing.

Any regrets about the last three or four months?
There is no point in regrets. Now I just look forward to the season. We know what the manager and fans expect from us, so I'm just concentrating on that.

The 2008 European and World Player Of The Year awards are next month. Should you win?
I've said before that I want to be the best player in the world and awards show people recognise that. The team won trophies last year and once the team gets trophies, it's nice to win individual ones. I think you call that the icing on the cake!

So what have you done with last season's Premier League and Champions League medals?
They are in a prime position, but I don't want to say too much. You never know who's reading this!

If Manchester United repeat last season's trophy haul, will it be a success? Or should you aim for the Treble?
You would have to call that a success. It would mean we have won three Premier League titles in a row and back-to-back European Cups. We will be looking to win all competitions we are in, though.

Is Dimitar Berbatov the final piece in the Man United jigsaw?
I am not sure about the final piece, because I think you are always looking to get better. But there is no doubt we have signed one of the best players in the world. The English fans know what he can do from his time at Spurs and he wants to do it at a top club. He has got off to a great start and, with his touch and ability, he will be a very big player.

Can you match last season's 42-goal haul or was that a one-off?
I'm not worried if I score less than last season but gain another 10 assists. It's all the same. It is what I can do to help the team win major trophies that is important.

Scolari's Chelsea look good. Do they have you worried?
No, not worried. Look, we know how good Chelsea are and they have added a great coach and a great player in Deco. They have been our biggest rivals for three years now.

Can Liverpool last the pace too?
I'm not sure, but they have some great players and have made a good start. I think it's a very tough Premier League this year and four teams will believe they have a chance.

Man City talked up a £140m move for you in January. What did you make of that?
I don't take notice of what is said in the press. I know sometimes they have to write things to sell papers.

Finally, do you watch X Factor? Which of your teammates would make the best contestant?
Ha ha. No, I haven't been watching. I'm not sure. Maybe me!

PUB FACT: In winning 2007-08's FIFpro World Player Of The Year, Ronaldo succeeded Kaka (06-07) and Ronaldinho (04-05 & 05-06)