Ruud surprised by Real interest

Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he would consider a return to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants made a bid to bring him back to the Bernabeu.

Real boss Jose Mourinho revealed his admiration for the Hamburg striker on Saturday, saying he would be ‘very happy’ to have him as cover for injured forward Gonzalo Higuain, who is out for several months following back surgery.

A prolific goalscorer at former clubs PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real, Van Nistelrooy netted 46 goals in 68 games during his three-and-a-half-year stay in the Spanish capital.

He made the switch from Real to Hamburg in January 2010, scoring 11 goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances, but his contract runs out at the end of this season.

Van Nistelrooy admitted to being shocked by interest from his former employers, adding that he will ‘seriously’ consider a return if a bid materialises.

“It is crazy what is happening,” he told Liga Total after scoring the only goal in Hamburg’s 1-0 win at Schalke on Saturday.

“I mean for such a club to come calling at this stage of my career – that is something which has got to be considered seriously.”

“It has been a strange week. I had to focus all of my efforts on today’s game and that was not easy.”

“I think we are going to clear this up in the next few days.”

While confirming Real’s interest in Van Nistelrooy, Hamburg director of sport Bastian Reinhardt says the club are yet to receive an offer.

“We have spoken to Ruud and we know about Real’s interest in signing him this winter,” he said.

“But they have not made an offer and, therefore, we don’t even need to discuss it.”

“Of course Ruud is staying with us.”

Hamburg manager Armin Veh highlighted the importance of the club keeping their star after watching Van Nistelrooy’s heroics against Schalke.

“Ruud is fitter now than he has ever been,” he told ZDF television.

“To lose him would be a bitter blow. Therefore we will do all that we can to keep him here, even though I can understand him.”