Capello created a storm earlier this month when claiming that he convinced Calderon and Real sports director Pedja Mijatovic not to send captain Raul away on-loan last year.

Asked about Capello's comments yesterday, Calderon snapped: "I thank him for his work and the title he brought to this club. It set us on the right road.

"But if he wrote that - and I do not have any reason to doubt it - then I must say I am not impressed.

"We never spoke of this subject. Raul is and always has been essential for Real and we all wanted him to rediscover his best form."