Marco Asensio insists he wants to become Real Madrid's main talisman following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Asensio, who endured a tough start to the season at a struggling Madrid, has been tipped to become a mainstay at the club after bursting onto the scene last term in emphatic fashion.
Following Ronaldo's £100million move to Juventus, Madrid are desperate for one of their man stars to step up to the plate as they look to continue their revival under new manager Santiago Solari.
And the 22-year-old rising star admits he wants to become the main leader at the Bernabeu.
'Why not, for sure. At the end of the day, of course I want to continue to be successful at Madrid, I want to be important here, I have never hidden from that,' Asensio told Marca.
'I have been a madridista since I was young, I always wanted to play for Real Madrid and now that I have the opportunity to be important here I want to take it.'
And his ambitions don't stop there.
The Spain international is eyeing the No 10 shirt at Madrid in the future, which has been worn down the years by some of football's biggest names, including Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Mesut Ozil and currently Luka Modric.
Asensio, who wore the No 10 shirt for Spain against Bosnia and Herzegovina, added: 'I won't lie my favourite is 10 and whenever I've been able to, I've worn that.
'Now it's in the hands of Luka [Modric] who still has many years ahead at Real Madrid but of course I would like to have it in the future.'
Asensio is bidding to make a career for himself with the European giants but he knows competition for places will be very tough in the future, with Madrid able to attract some of the biggest stars in the sport.
And one star who has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu is Chelsea's Eden Hazard, who has started the Premier League season in mesmerising form.
But Asensio is not worried about Madrid potentially signing the Belgium star, who would want the No 10 shirt if he joined, claiming: 'It's speculation. We will see if anyone comes, but right now it's just speculation.'
Nigeria5950943
251
Lol,the future of Real Madrid, but to step up to CR7's status>lol because CR7 is already the GOAT everywhere, every time round his whole football career.. lol
HolumideAlonstar
203
Following Ronaldo's £100million move to Juventus, Madrid are desperate for one of their man stars to step up to the plate as they look to continue their revival under new manager Santiago Solari.
suaritoz
194
I think Asensio needs to look at this guy properly, i dont think he used to watch Ronaldo in his teens years. im tired of Asensio talks, please prove and just stop talking. CR is far gone.
RealMd13
149
Its TIMe for ASENSIO to step up we all know he can cuz he Is very talented and If you take back to last season when he cared Real MADRID AgaINst FCB In SPANISH super cup 3 Goals In 2 matches Vs FCB and at the TIME everyTHIng was BUILT around CR7 and If we can do that for ASENSIO he can Real step up
Nigeria5950943
145
Ascencio with FIFA security agents immediately after the interview.. lolz
Alakiri
123
you will say all things, but it is very clear that any body who did not appreciate cr7 will not move forward. imagine after he live they said that there more of a team,also replacing cr7 with MARIANO.
Nigeria5950943
11
Following Ronaldo's £100million move to Juventus, Madrid are desperate for one of their man stars to step up to the plate as they look to continue their revival under new manager Santiago Solari.
[image]
Real Madrid right now searching for Ronaldo's replacement