Real Madrid's Isco: 'I want to stay here for a long time'

Isco strengthened Real Madrid's title hopes at El Molinon on Saturday, but the Spanish midfielder is thinking beyond this season.

Speaking after Real Madrid's 3-2 victory at Real Sporting de Gijon in La Liga, Isco, who scored two goals and was the best player on the pitch, affirmed his desire to remain with the Blancos. Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly interested in signing the player, and Jordi Alba, who played alongside the 24-year-old at Valencia, suggested that he would welcome his former teammate at Barcelona.

"I'm with the best team in the world, there isn't a team bigger than Real Madrid and I feel lucky," Isco said. "I want to stay here for a long time and I hope that's how it goes."

In February, Isco expressed worry over his minutes at Real Madrid, declaring: "A player's career is small. I'm happy here and would stay many more years. From now until the end of the season, we will make a decision. It is my future at stake."

Isco holds 26 La Liga appearances to his name this season, 11 of which have come as a substitute. He ranks 11th among Los Blancos in minutes.