The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield this
summer but the Reds boss has poured cold water on suggestions the Spain
international is set to leave.
The Liverpool manager said: "The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi.
"He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in
the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part
of our plans going forward.
"Xabi himself told our club magazine only two weeks ago that he was
looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should
he want to leave now?"
Benitez added: "Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about
the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there
were three years left on Xabi's contract.
"I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting." |
