LONDON - Real Madrid midfielder Isco has angrily denied speculation he could move to Barcelona, blaming the media’s desperation for stories during the international break for the “invented” rumour.
Isco has been reduced to a largely bit-part role at the Bernabéu this season, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić often preferred to play alongside holding midfielder Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema well established as the team’s front three.
The midfielder is still yet to agree a contract extension, with his current deal running out in 2018, with the 24-year-old repeatedly linked with a free transfer to Barcelona.
Isco is currently on international duty with Spain and claimed after a comfortable 4-1 World Cup qualifying win against Israel that there was little truth in the persistent rumour.
“We players, we are exposed to rumours,” he said, after an impressive second-half cameo which he rounded off by scoring Spain’s fourth goal.
“We are used [to it] and now that there is less football with the break some media have to invent some things, I do not know why.
“I talk on the pitch and try to do the best that I can for the team.”
Despite quashing speculation he could move to Real’s biggest rivals, Isco has previously been vocal over his lack of playing time under Zinedine Zidane.
“I’m calm. What worries me is to have minutes,” he told the sports broadcaster beIN Sports earlier this month. “A player’s career is small.
“I’m happy here and would like to stay many more years. So from now until the end of the season, we will make a decision. It is my future at stake.”