Dudek wants to leave Real to claim Euro 2008 place

Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek wants to leave Real Madrid in the January transfer window in search of regular first team action for the rest of the season so he can win a place in the Polish national team for Euro 2008.

"I've got a three-year contract with Real Madrid but I want to look at the possibility of leaving," the 34-year-old told Spanish sports daily Marca on Wednesday.

"Poland have qualified for the European championship for the first time and I have received an important call from the coach Leo Beenhakker who told me that if I played regularly I would be his keeper at Euro 2008.

"I want to play at the European championship because it will be a historic moment for our country and I haven't played at all in Madrid. I think the best thing now is that we sit down and talk."

Dudek joined Real as a free agent from Liverpool in the close season to provide cover for first-choice keeper Iker Casillas but he has yet to play for the club in either the Primera Liga or the Champions League.

"I would like to leave," Dudek added.

"If I were 26 I would never leave Real Madrid even if I was second choice, but things have changed with the call from Poland. I'm 34 and they have given me hope of playing in an important tournament."

"I know I will only have a chance if I play regularly in the next few months. Real have the final word... but I want to be totally honest with them about this."