Morientes to return to Madrid

Fernando Morientes is almost certain he will be playing for Real Madrid again next season.

Morientes, who will start against Russia tomorrow in his country’s Euro 2004 opener, scored vital goals to fire Monaco into the final of the Champions League.

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano, who has announced he will be stepping down from the role, loaned Morientes to Monaco against the wishes of then coach Carlos Queiroz.

The return of Jose Antonio Camacho to Madrid and Valdano’s resignation has led to the player’s decision.

Camacho has told the striker he was a key part of his plans.

“I have spoken to Camacho on the phone and I am staying,” said Morientes in an interview with Marca.

“On July 16 I will start training and the way things are today, I am staying. The arrival of Camacho has placed me much closer to Real Madrid because he has a lot of trust in me.”