Real the only choice for Coentrao

Left-back Fabio Coentrao has revealed Real Madrid is the only club he would have left Benfica for.

The Portugal international signed for Madrid in a 30-million-euro deal in July and has been a regular contributor for coach Jose Mourinho, with 17 appearances in all competitions.

Chelsea and Bayern Munich were also attributed with an interest in Coentrao at the end of last season, but the 23-year-old revealed that he would have stayed at Benfica if Madrid had not come knocking.

“The truth is that I had other concrete offers, as you all know,” Coentrao told Record. “Half of Europe was after me back then.”

“But, as I also said, my desire was to stay at Benfica. Between all the clubs interested in me and Benfica, I always preferred to stay, but when Real made an offer everything changed.”

“Every player dreams of reaching the top and I am no exception. I am not belittling Benfica, who are a very good club, but Madrid are at a much higher level.”

“Joining Madrid was the right thing to do. I am realising a dream, no doubt about it.”