McManaman no intention of moving from Real

Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman is resigned to another season of speculation about his future following the arrival of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, but says he is determined to see out his contract with the European champions.

Recent reports from Italy suggested that the former Liverpool and England man and Argentine winger Santiago Solari were the two players Inter Milan were interested in acquiring as part payment for Ronaldo when the European transfer window reopens in December.

"I have heard the reports," McManaman told Spanish sports daily Marca on Sunday. "But as far as I know Solari isn't keen to move and neither am I."

"Inter are a good team, but I am part of the best team in the world and a change wouldn't be a good move. In any case I think the Spanish league is much more interesting than the Italian."

The 30-year-old midfielder has been the subject of almost constant transfer speculation since his arrival from Liverpool in 1999, but each season he has confounded the critics by managing to notch up a significant number of first team appearances.

He has also chipped in with some crucial goals in European competition and has become a firm favourite at the Bernabeu because of his sense of humour and refusal to complain about being left on the bench.

In Real's opening league match against Espanyol, McManaman came on as a late second half substitute to produce his now customary cameo performance and secure the win with a neatly-worked goal.

He believes that despite the arrival of Ronaldo he will continue to get the chance to make his mark at Real, before his contract expires in 2004.

"The season is very long and I am sure I will get opportunities to play," he said.

"Joining this club is the best thing that has ever happened to me and it has certainly never entered my head to leave."