Marco Asensio says he ‘never had the intention’ to leave Real Madrid for the Premier League despite limited opportunities last season
The Los Blancos wonderkid remains happy in the Spanish capital, despite finding himself down the pecking order behind the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent seasons
REAL MADRID youngster Marco Asensio insists he never considered leaving the club - despite seeing his path into the first-team blocked last season.
The 22-year-old struggled to cement his place in the starting XI with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale above him in the pecking order.
And the young Spanish international was linked with a move away in the summer with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea interested.
But changes in management and personnel have given him the chance to finally impress on the pitch.
Asensio said: "I've never had the intention to go anywhere.
"This is my third season. In this one I think I have continuity and more prominence, and I'm seeing [improvement in] the performances I'm doing."
After the departure of Ronaldo to Juventus in the transfer window, alongside the controversial appointment of former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, Asensio has started Madrid's opening three games.
He already has an assist to his name from their 4-1 winning start against Leganes.
And his extended time on the pitch for his club has seen his international chances improve - playing a full 90 minutes during Spain's 6-0 thumping of World Cup finalists Croatia, notching their second and setting up a further three.
