Real Madrid coach José Mourinho insists the club are not in discussions to sign wantaway Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Togolese spent the second half of last season on loan at Los Blancos and has been linked with a permanent switch to the Spanish capital.
But Mourinho played down the 27-year-old's presence, insisting that "it doesn't matter" if Adebayor joins his side or not.
Asked if he was looking to seal a permanent deal for Adebayor, Mourinho told a press conference: "No. He is here because he is our friend and he belongs to us. He is one of us.
"It doesn't matter if he is playing at Real Madrid or Manchester City or another club, he is one of us. He was with us for six months and went to the heart of everybody. He is a great lad and everybody loves him.
"When he called us asking permission to come here today, there was not one second of thought. He was with us in the dressing room and he is always welcome.
"If he comes he comes, if he doesn't it doesn't matter. We will all know by August 31 who is in and who is out and where they are playing. But today he came as a friend and he is always welcome."
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| Emmanuel Adebayor spotted in the stands during Real Madrid's pre-season friendly at Leicester City Photo: MARCA |
The Togolese spent the second half of last season on loan at Los Blancos and has been linked with a permanent switch to the Spanish capital.
He was in the stands at the King Power Stadium to watch Real's pre-season friendly with Leicester City on Saturday with his future at City in doubt following the arrival of Sergio Agüero from Atlético Madrid.
But Mourinho played down the 27-year-old's presence, insisting that "it doesn't matter" if Adebayor joins his side or not.
Asked if he was looking to seal a permanent deal for Adebayor, Mourinho told a press conference: "No. He is here because he is our friend and he belongs to us. He is one of us.
"It doesn't matter if he is playing at Real Madrid or Manchester City or another club, he is one of us. He was with us for six months and went to the heart of everybody. He is a great lad and everybody loves him.
"When he called us asking permission to come here today, there was not one second of thought. He was with us in the dressing room and he is always welcome.
"If he comes he comes, if he doesn't it doesn't matter. We will all know by August 31 who is in and who is out and where they are playing. But today he came as a friend and he is always welcome."
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
