Macca to fight for Real future

Steve McManaman has ruled out a return to the Premiership and has vowed to stay and fight for his place at The Bernabeu.

The England winger has dismissed suggestions that he will be shown the exit door in order to accommodate France international Zinedine Zidane and Valencia's Gaizka Mendieta, who are both expected to join the Real revolution imminently.

McManaman feels that Real would be feared throughout Europe if Zidane signs and is relishing the chance of competing with the likes of current stars Luis Figo and Raul for his place in the starting line-up.

Arsenal and Leeds United are said to be monitoring the former Liverpool star's situation, but McManaman is determined to see out his contract and be part of potentially one of the most formidable attacking outfits of recent years.

"I'm happy here, and I don't think the new signings will affect me in any way," he said.

"They haven't got anyone for my position and I think I'm part of things here."

"I certainly want to be, because if we get the players we are after, it will be pretty exciting."
"We are already one of the most feared attacking sides in Europe, and if you add someone of the quality of Zidane, then I think it will make us even more fearsome."

"I want to be part of a side that has talents like Raul, Figo and Zidane. Anyone would."

"We'll just have to wait and see, but as I've said all along, I am very happy here in Madrid, and I intend to see out my contract."
McManaman added that he has no desire to return to the Premiership, after winning the Champions League and Spanish League in his first two seasons in the Spanish capital, and that he is happy in Spain.

"I've had offers, but I've only been here two seasons, and I want to remain much longer," McManaman told English newspaper The Mirror.