Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi has vowed to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu amidst interest from Liverpool to make him a long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard.
Illarramendi joined the Spanish La Liga giants in the summer of 2013 from Real Sociedad, but he has been unable to find a regular starting spot in the team. In his two seasons at Real Madrid so far, the Basque-born midfielder has made only 25 La Liga starts and most of his appearances have come off the substitutes’ bench.
Liverpool’s long-serving captain Gerrard has announced his departure from Anfield at the end of the current season and will be joining MLS outfit LA Galaxy.
The Merseyside giants see Illarramendi as a long-term replacement for their outgoing skipper, but the 25-year-old has vowed to extend his stay at the Bernabeu and fight for a place in Real Madrid’s starting line-up.
When asked if his appearance against Getafe in Los Blancos’ last league game of the season was his final appearance for them, Illarremandi denied the notion.
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“No”, he was quoted as saying by AS.
“I have a contract for more years and I want to carry on because I am very happy here.
“The truth is that I haven't played much. We'd all like to play more but it's obvious that at Real Madrid it's very difficult to play and to get a run in the team.
“I work every day to achieve this, but I haven't had many opportunities on the pitch, to be honest.
“I have a contract and I'm very happy in the team with the teammates I have and in the city as well.”
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