Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso has played down rumours linking him with a summer return to Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old only joined the Catalan club in 2017 from Madrid in a €400k deal while he has a contract until 2020 with a €40m release clause in place.
Madrid possess a €15m buyback clause while they also are said to still own 50% of his rights, meaning they can sign him for half that price.
“Of course I see myself here next year, unless Espanyol wants to kick me out,” Hermoso told reporters, as cited by OK Diario.
“I have a contract until 2020 and as long as nothing strange happens I will continue here.
“There always has to be something to talk about. My idea is that I am happy here, I am comfortable, I have a fantastic opportunity to continue improving here.
“As I said, Espanyol have given me the opportunity to compete in La Liga, to fulfil a dream and I will always be grateful to this team and the club.”
