Defiant Sneijder says no to Madrid exit

Real Madrid’s Dutch international midfielder Wesley Sneijder is defiantly refusing a move to Inter Milan, with some reports hinting a love interest is keeping his feet firmly in the Spanish capital.

Sneijder is one of several players Real are trying to offload to counterbalance the mega-millions purchase of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso. Real president Florentino Perez has already spent over 250 million euros on players so far.

But despite a concrete offer of over 15 million euros from Inter and the summer transfer deadline falling on August 31, the 25-year-old Sneijder is refusing to budge.

According to sports daily Marca Sneijder held talks with Real’s general manager Jorge Valdano earlier this week and told him: “Jorge, I’ve told you I am not leaving. What I want is to play here. It’s not a question of money, it’s more a footballing choice.”

Rival sports daily AS suggested Wednesday that Sneijder wants to remain in Madrid because of personal reasons.

Real and Inter have already agreed a fee of 15 million euros plus two million euros at a variable rate, according the Spanish media reports.

After moving from Dutch side Ajax two years ago Sneijder has since played 52 league matches for Real, scoring 11 goals, and played nine times in the Champions League.

During Monday’s friendly against Norwegian side Rosenborg, Sneijder’s number 10 shirt was worn by French midfielder Lassana Diarra.