Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol is happy to stay and fight for his place.

The Spain international has no intention of turning his back on the illustrious team from the Spanish capital.

He told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "The season is like a long-distance race. I haven't had many minutes in the early part of the season but I'm working hard to force the manager to pick me.

"It's a difficult challenge but nobody has spoken to me about leaving the club. Football is all about the present and we must work hard.

"Between now and December, there are a lot of games and I have to make sure I improve with every game."