Hierro: Real Madrid always planned to axe me

Fernando Hierro believes Real Madrid always intended to axe him from their squad at the end of the season.

The defender was released by Real, along with trainer Vicente del Bosque, yesterday and says it was a personality clash with sports chief Jorge Valdano that lead to his dismissal.

"They told me that they couldn't tolerate my behaviour as the captain of the team after the last game of the season," said Hierro.

"We had a verbal agreement about me re-signing, we shook hands on it, but nothing was signed."

"I believe this decision was made before Sunday's game. But I will accept it."