Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Real Madrid transfer news: Marco Asensio offers update on future ahead of deadline
MARCO ASENSIO insists he is happy at Real Madrid and his focus is on succeeding at the Bernabeu - despite being linked with a move away in recent months.
Real Madrid: Marco Asensio scores incredible training goal
Asensio broke into Real’s starting XI in the 2016/17 season, scoring ten goals in 38 appearances for the Spanish giants.
The 22-year-old became a mainstay in the team in the 2017/18 campaign, racking up 53 appearances and bagging 11 goals.
The Spain international’s impressive displays didn't go unnoticed across Europe, and they were said to have caught the attention of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
With the La Liga transfer window still open until the end of the month, Asensio could be the subject of interest from any potential suitors.
However, Asensio doesn’t intend on leaving Spain any time soon and is determined to add to his already-impressive trophy haul with last season’s Champions League winners.
“My first option is always to triumph at Real Madrid," he told GQ. “After that, you never know what can happen.
"Real Madrid are the most successful club in the world and from the start you know you have to be prepared and to give everything for the shirt.
"I try not to focus too much on the expectations there are of me. It's normal for so much to be generated, because they've been two really good years at Real Madrid. I just hope to keep getting better."
My first option is always to triumph at Real Madrid. After that, you never know what can happen.
Asensio’s agent Horacio Gaggioli dismissed the notion of the 22-year-old leaving the Spanish capital last month, insisting that he’ll be an integral part of Real's plans this season.
"Marco won't move, he'll stay with Real Madrid," Gaggioli told Calciomercato.
"He's improving all the time. Next season I think he'll be very important in Madrid."
Asensio’s third season with Real will see him play under former Porto boss Julen Lopetegui.
And the Mallorca manager believes the former Spanish national team manager is already having a positive impact on the squad.
"Julen is a coach with a very good idea of football and one I personally like a lot," he said.
“It adds a lot of intensity in training and he is very demanding with us.
"I can play in any position in the attacking zone, but I don't like to stick to the wing, for instance. I need to have the freedom to move throughout the attacking and creative zone."