AS.com

Esteban Granero, the Real Madrid midfielder stated this Saturday in a press conference that "he hasn't thought" about leaving the club and emphasised that he wants to have a bigger role this season in José Mourinho's team.

The midfielder celebrates 15 years at the club and his contract finishes in 2013. The fact that he played no more than a handful of games last season, as well as the possible arrival of Luka Módric, who plays in his position, isn't enough to deter the player who came up from the youth ranks.

"I haven't thought about leaving, nor have I thought about repeating my role of last year. I want to play a bigger part here, as is only natural and as every player wants. In order to do so I don't necessarily have to change teams. I can do it here, and I'm going to train hard to do so. I'm hopeful about getting my place. Last year I matured a lot", he said.

"I'm very hopeful, just as I have been for the last 15 years. I'm keen to learn. This year we've got a lot of challenges as a group, such as improving on last season. On a personal level I want to improve on last season and win my place in the team and in the club".

Granero doesn't see the arrival of Módric as a problem, as he considers that any decision by the club to bring in "top footballers" is welcome.

"Every year great footballers arrive here, others leave, and others arrive. The important thing is that the team is reinforced. To improve on last year's squad is difficult. The club is working on it and those of us who are here will always welcome the new players. I don't know if it will be this player, that player, no-one or several players but we always welcome with open arms any player who can help make Real Madrid better", he declared.

"My contract renewal isn't a big deal. This is my 15^th season with the club, and there's no doubt I'm happy here. There won't be any problems. If the club wants me, I'll be here as long as they want", he stated.