McManaman rates Real as world's best

Real Madrid have slapped a not for sale sign on winger Steve McManaman, much to the English winger’s delight. "Real are the best team on the planet," he said, "it will be great to try and help them win La Liga."

Last week, Lyon were the latest club to be linked with the 28-year-old midfielder, who was put on the transfer list by Real last summer just weeks after helping them win the Champions’ League.

McManaman vowed to fight for his place in the side and a series of scintillating displays have made him indispensable to Real as they challenge for a Spanish title and Champions’ League double in the new year.

"August and September were hard for me, " the former Liverpool player revealed, "I didn’t even travel with the team. Step by step I started to get on the team sheet and now I am a regular starter.

"I’m in good form at the moment and though I was injured against Rayo Vallecano just before Christmas I will be alright when training starts on Thursday."

McManaman has impressed coach Vincente del Bosque with the way he has worked himself back into favour at the club and now the winger looks vital to Real’s ambitions this season.

"Real are the best team in the planet. It will be great to try and help them win La Liga, which we haven’t done these past two years, although winning the Champions’ League again would be incredible."