Villarreal winger Denis Cheryshev admits he never wanted to leave Real Madrid.

The Russia international left Real last season in controversial circumstances involving his Copa del Rey registration.

Before last night's 1-1 draw, Cheryshev recalled: 'My departure from Real was not necessarily what I would have liked. I worked hard and gave the maximum.

"Things go well and sometimes not, it is a matter of luck. This is football and many things can happen. I am proud to have worn the shirt of Madrid, with all the things that the club gave me, but I'm happy at Villarreal, I want to stay here for several seasons.

"(Zinedine) Zidane has always been honest with me, I only have gratitude for him. We talked almost every day, I understood him and he was straight with me."