Fabio Coentrao has asserted his desire to ‘show everyone that I deserve to be in Madrid’ this season, after a collapsed move to Manchester United.
The full-back was the subject of a late loan bid from the English champions, but paperwork was not completed in time and he has remained with Real Madrid for a third year.
On from having originally been expected to leave the club this summer, the player has looked to make clear his commitment for a third year in the Spanish capital.
“That’s the goal. I want to do better than last season, despite having been at a fairly high standard with Madrid,” Coentrao told AS this week.
“In my first season, I was not so good, but in the second year I was better. In this third year I want to show everyone that I deserve to be in Madrid.”
The Portuguese was asked if he would prefer to have gone to Manchester United.
“No. There was the possibility of going, but I stayed in Madrid and that is what matters. I have to focus on being in Madrid, where I want to be happy. I’m at the best club in the world.
“Do I regret the failed transfer? No, of course not. There was a possible transfer, but it did not happen and I have to be happy because I am at the best club in the world.”
Coentrao will be in competition once more with Marcelo for playing time, but has an advantage in the next few weeks, with the Brazilian having picked up a thigh injury.
“You will always have to work. I have had two years in Madrid and Marcelo has always been there and I have played many games.
“I will work to play, that’s obvious, whether it is against Marcelo or another player. What I want is to play.”
“I want to clear this up. When I said that it seemed that I was talking about the fans or people at the club, but I never spoke about anyone from the club. If I was talking about the fans then I would be ungrateful.
“In the first year we all know that my performances were not enough to have the support of the fans, who were upset with me.
“But in the second year, when I improved my performances, I had their support. It was impossible to not speak well of them.
“I was referring to those who live in Madrid and have to sell news on the club. I do not know what I did to them.”
