Illarra hoping for long Madrid stay

Asier Illarramendi has made it clear that he plans to stay at Real Madrid for the long haul after his appearance against Getafe on Saturday.

The midfielder has been largely a peripheral figure at the Santiago Bernabeu this season but completed 90 minutes in Los Blancos’ final La Liga match of 2014-15 as he helped his side to a 7-3 victory over El Geta.

“I have a contract for a few more years and hope to see it out because I’m very comfortable here,” he told reporters.

“The truth is that I haven’t played much. We all like to play more, but it’s clear that it’s very difficult to play with continuity at Madrid.

“I work every day for it but was given no opportunities on the pitch.

“[On why he was given limited game time], at the end the day, the Coach is there to rule and decide who can do the best job [for the team]. That’s all there is to it.

“[On whether Carlo Ancelotti will leave this summer], he has one year left [on his contract] and we’re happy with him.

“No, [I don’t regret leaving in January]. I said I wanted to stay and I still think the same.

“No-one is ever satisfied with playing little. You have to keep working hard and improving.”

Illarra, 25, may enjoy greater first-team recognition next season due to the impending departure of Germany international Sami Khedira.

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