Altintop ponders Madrid departure

Real Madrid midfielder Hamit Altintop has threatened to leave the La Liga club if his situation in the Spanish capital does not improve.

The 28-year-old has played just 20 minutes of football this season, prompting him to claim he has been undervalued by coach Jose Mourinho.

“I think I am an important player and I must feel it,” Altintop told Vatan. “Fortunately, I feel well here and it is not a case of playing more, it is the issue of not feeling important.”

However, Altintop revealed that a move to Turkey could be on the cards in the near future, amid reports that talks have already been initiated with Galatasaray.

“I do not know what will happen,” continued the Turkey international. “First I want to wait and see what will happen here until January, but if nothing changes, I will go to Istanbul to play for Galatasaray.”

Altintop has been called up to the Turkey squad for the Euro 2012 play-off against Croatia, with the first leg taking place in Istanbul on Friday.