Real Madrid attacker Denis Cheryshev has admitted that he is in "an unpleasant situation" at the Bernabeu as he battles to secure a spot in Rafael Benitez's first-team plans.
The 24-year-old joined Los Blancos in 2002, but has not yet made a single first-team appearance for the club, having been out on loan at both Sevilla and Villarreal.
It had been thought that the Russian international would again be loaned out this summer, but it is understood that talks with Benitez led to the decision to remain in Madrid.
Cheryshev has not been involved in either of Real Madrid's two league games this season, however, and he has admitted that the situation is not ideal.
"There were clubs that were interested in talking about my situation, but there were no concrete proposals. Of course interest existed and there was the possibility of leaving on loan, but the club were not willing to part with me and wanted to keep me," Cheryshev told Sport Express.
"I'm a Real Madrid player and I respect the club's decision. I want to play for this team. It's a life-long dream of mine. [Rafael] Benitez hasn't explained to me why he didn't pick me in the first two games, but I hope the coach begins rotating the team.
"It's an unpleasant situation, but I'm still a football player. I'll continue working hard to catch the train and earn minutes. I won't relax because if I relax then I won't get my way."
Cheryshev, who has a release clause in the region of £146m inserted into his current deal, was heavily involved in Real Madrid's pre-season preparations.
Matt Law
