Real Madrid star discusses transfer amid Liverpool spat - 'I still believe'

Real Madrid star Arda Guler has addressed rumours over his future, insisting he has no desire to leave the Bernabeu despite interest from several clubs across Europe

Arda Guler has spoken out about his Real Madrid future after Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai took aim at the playmaker over his lack of game time this season. Guler has made just 10 starts for Madrid across all competitions this season and he has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in the summer.

Arsenal were among the clubs said to be interested in Guler's services, but the 20-year-old has insisted he has no desire to leave Madrid. "Madrid gave me a plan and I still believe in it," the Turkey international said.

"I'm sure I'll succeed at Real Madrid, I've even bought a house in Madrid. I work very hard and I'm always ready to play. I love Real Madrid fans, and their support means a lot to me.

"I'm very grateful. I came to Real Madrid to play and be an important part of this team. And I won’t stop fighting until I achieve that."

Guler's comments come after he was involved in a spat with Szoboszlai after Turkey beat Hungary 6-1 on aggregate in the UEFA Nations League play-off. After Guler shushed Szoboszlai during the second leg, the Liverpool midfielder fired back at him on social media.

In response to an image of Guler's gesture which was shared by a Hungarian news outlet on Instagram, Szoboszlai wrote "1088" which is the exact number of minutes his rival has played for Madrid so far this season.

However, Guler fired back with a post on his Instagram story, writing: "This guy is a joke. Isn't 6 goals enough to shut you up?" Guler's words were also accompanied by a shushing face emoji.

Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella, meanwhile, has insisted he has no concerns over Guler's lack of starts for Madrid. "He is an exceptional footballer," Montella said.

"We all know his talent and what he can contribute. It is a well-known and generally accepted trend that players with consistent game time at their clubs are usually selected for the national team.

"However, we must take a more understanding approach with Arda Guler." Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu, though, has urged Guler to join him at Inter Milan.

"Arda is a very important player; he's like a little brother whom I love very much," Calhanoglu said. "I would like him to come and play with us—at Inter—although I don't know if this is true.

"I don't know what his situation is at Real Madrid, so I don't want to get too involved in this situation because in the end, he knows more, although of course, I want and believe he deserves to play more minutes."

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