In the midst of contract talks with Real Madrid, Spain international Marco Asensio has stated that he wants to remain there for “10 more years.”
Asensio, who is currently on international duty with Spain, is set to become a free agent when his contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of June.
The forward has started just once for Madrid in LaLiga this year despite being frequently linked with leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, with Barcelona being one of his rumored destinations.
The 26-year-old has made 250 appearances for the current Champions League champions since moving from Mallorca in December 2014, but he hopes to extend his stay with them.
“There is talk that I am changing Real Madrid’s mind. But I have always tried to give the maximum that I have inside, and then it will be known,” he told Radio Marca.
“The one that decides, too, is the club, it not only depends on me. After the World Cup, we will both make a decision.
“What if I want to renew? Hopefully, it can happen, and I will be very happy at Real Madrid for many years. Hopefully, everything will be given to stay 10 more years.”
Asensio also expressed his sympathies to Karim Benzema, a teammate who was disqualified from the World Cup for failing to recover from a quadriceps issue in his left thigh.
Since Denmark’s failure to qualify for the 1978 competition, the France international is the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to lose the championship game.
“I send him all my encouragement and support from here,” Asensio added. “These are things that happen in football, and it has weighed on him not being able to reach 100 per cent. He was very excited about this World Cup.”