McManaman real happy at Madrid

England international Steve McManaman reckons being at Real Madrid is the best thing that has happened to him.

Amidst reports in the Spanish and Italian press that McManaman could be on his way out of the Bernabeu, the talented midfielder has denied it.

"This club is the best that has happened to me and what I can clearly say is that I am not thinking of leaving," said McManaman to Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

The former Liverpool star acknowledges that following Ronaldo's arrival it will be difficult to command a place in the Merengues' starting 11.

"I would like this season to be like last season, but I know it is going to be more difficult."

"If Ronaldo plays there will be another striker on the bench, thus, there is going to be more people on the bench and it will be more difficult," he added.

The 29-year-old did not start in the first Primera Liga match against Espanyol last Monday.

However, he came on as a substitute in the 81st minute and scored his first goal of the season and the Madrid fans never forget him.

"Maybe because I have scored important goals, I like the people here, they have treated me well. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am always happy," he added.

McManaman joined Real Madrid in the 1999-2000 season from Liverpool but has struggled to find a permanent place in the first team.

"I am a professional, the most important thing is Real Madrid, not if I play or not play," he continued.

"Of course I would like to play more, but I am also clear that the season is very long, that there are many matches and that I will have opportunities to play."

Ronaldo's transfer deal means that there is a possibility that either Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari or McManaman will move to Inter Milan in January.

But McManaman is defiant.

"From what I know Solari does not want to go and neither do I.

"I know that Inter are a good team, but I am in the best (team) in the world and the change would not be too good. I think the Spanish league is much more interesting than the Italian Calcio," said McManaman.

Furthermore, with a long season ahead of Madrid with the Spanish Primera Liga, the Champions league, the Intercontinental Cup and Copa del Rey competitions, coach Vicente del Bosque will have to use many of his substitutes.

"I don't want to go, not in Inter or in any other team. I am very happy here and this is the most exciting season."

But others have had to leave.

Cameroon defender Geremi has gone on a one-year loan to English Premiership club Middlesbrough and Spanish defender Ivan Campo has joined Bolton.

"With Geremi I speak a lot, it is difficult for him to adapt to English football, I don't blame him, the truth is that you are better here," said McManaman.

Regarding his new team-mate Ronaldo, McManaman has only praises,

"He is very nice, inside the changing room there are no stars only friends and colleagues."