Woodgate inspired by Real Madrid fans

Jonathan Woodgate has thanked Real Madrid's fans for helping him in his recovery this season.
 
Woodgate, who is expected to return to the England squad for next weekend's friendly against Argentina, had waited months to make his debut for Real against Athletic Bilbao earlier this season in the Bernabeu.

"I'd scored an own goal and got sent off but then got clapped off the pitch. Don't ask me why, but it was a brilliant experience," he revealed to theFA.com.

"One minute, I was so down, thinking 'my God, this just can't get any worse for me'. Then, when they applauded me off, it was unbelievable."

"Some of them could have said 'hang on a minute, this lad hasn't played for a year, he's getting paid these wages and he comes in and just look at him in his first game'."

"But they must have looked at it and just thought what a nightmare it was for me, and that I needed a bit of luck and support."

"I know footballers often say 'oh the fans are great' but people really don't realise how important the Madrid fans have been for me. They have given me confidence."