I am staying at Real – Gago

(GSM) – Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago is confident that he will not be sold by the Madrid giants despite rumors that he is set to leave the club.

The Santiago Bernabéu club is looking to offload some of their fringe players with the squad now overpopulated after another impressive summer spending spree.

Despite the captures of Germany midfield pair Sami Khedira and Mesut Özil, 24-year-old Gago is still adamant that he will be playing at Santiago Bernabéu in the upcoming season,claiming that he has been given assurances by club sporting director Jorge Valdano and manager Jose Mourinho.

“I am going to stay with Real Madrid this season,” the Argentine told Ole.

“I have already spoken with (sporting director Jorge) Valdano and Mourinho and at no time did they say they wanted to sell me.”

Gago has made 88 league appearances for Real but his lack of playing time last season caused him to miss out on a spot in Argentina’s squad for the last World Cup.

“I am very comfortable and relaxed here,” he said.

“Some players are going to have to leave, but I am staying. I was surprised that things were said about me leaving, because I had already spoken to the coach and to Valdano.”

The Argentina international’s agent Marcelo Lombilla claims Mourinho admires Gago: “Ever since Mourinho arrived, Fernando has been part of the group.

“Some time ago, Madrid rejected a very important offer from (Manchester) City and they did so because he is a player the coach believes is interesting.”