Media Watch: Van der Vaart up for Real fight

Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has rubbished rumours linking him with a move to either Liverpool or Arsenal, and instead vowed to stay and fight for his place at the Bernabeu.

The Dutch midfielder has started just five games in La Liga this season and was reported to be seeking a move away from Spain in order to secure regular action ahead of this summer's World Cup, with both the Reds and the Gunners believed to be keen.

Former Madrid coach Bernd Schuster signed Van der Vaart from Hamburg for €13 million in 2008.

He has found first-team opportunities harder to come by following the arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xabi Alonso.

However, he has insisted that he still believes he is good enough to play for Los Blancos and is not interested in a move abroad to either Anfield or the Emirates Stadium.

"I have the skill and quality to play for Real Madrid," he told Radio Marca.

"Pellegrini told me in pre-season training that I was a very good player, but he did not have much room for me because they had Kaka, Raul, many players. I said OK, but I will not leave Madrid, I want to fight, so let's see.

"The league is very important but also the Champions League. The final is in Madrid. It is a dream for everyone to play the final here, but we also want to win the league.

"I am very happy in this team."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.