Real Madrid president assures Betis over Joaquin

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez won't push for a deal for Real Betis winger Joaquin until the end of the season.

Perez has assured Betis supremo Manuel Ruiz de Lopera that no pressure will be put on the club to sell Joaquin while the season is still being played out.

The Real president hinted on radio: "I am sure that it is true that some foreign clubs have made offers for Joaquin. But now everybody is thinking about their competitions. Later the moment will arrive for reflecting. And we do that every year."

Perez added, "Everything came from a joke I had with Joaquin - I told him I wanted to see him in a Real Madrid shirt. But I did this in front of everyone, the press, his teammates - I had nothing to hide."