I Thought That I Would Play More - Balboa

Javier Balboa has admitted that the season has not gone as well as he would have hoped, but has no plans to leave Real Madrid during the winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old was expecting to be given more first team opportunities this term after enjoying an extended run before the campaign kicked off.

After returning to Madrid at the end of last season, following a successful loan spell at Racing Santander, Balboa is determined to prove himself.

"I honestly thought that I would play a bit more, especially after how things went in pre-season where the coach gave me a lot of chances," he explained.

"But despite not having played a lot, I am proud how I have done so far when I have been called upon."

"At this moment I do not want to leave the club. I want to stay here all season as there are a lot of games left and I think that I can help the team."

Balboa still feels valued despite his lack of chances as he believes that there is not divisions between the regular stars and the second string players.

"It is does not bother me because I do not have the feeling inside the club that anyone is treated as a substitute," he continued.

"We are a squad of 25 players and the season is very long. We will all have our chance and, although some will have more than others, we are all important."

Finally, the Equatorial Guinea international explained that Madrid still have to be wary of Barcelona in order to prevent the Catalan outfit catching them.

"It is obviously great to be out in front, but last season we were in the opposite position and in the end we managed to turn it around and win the league," he stated.

"We cannot slip up in any game and must go step-by-step."