Flavio: I'm as good as Real mates Cambiasso, Makelele

Flavio insists he is as good as Real Madrid's first-choice midfielders Esteban Cambiasso and Claude Makelele.

The Brazilian has hardly featured this season after seeing a move to Chelsea fall through over the summer because of the London club's financial problems.

"I am not inferior to Makelele or Cambiasso," Flavio told Marca.

"I respect them and we have a great relationship, but I do not consider myself inferior to them."

"I am not thinking about leaving, I just want more time in the first team. I've been recalled to the Brazilian squad and now I want to win a place back in Real's team."

"I just need a chance, if I get one I won't let go."