Cole rumours don't worry Real ace

Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos is confident he has a future at the Bernabeu and is unconcerned over reports linking Arsenal’s Ashley Cole with a move to the Spanish giants.

There has been increased speculation that Madrid president Florentino Perez sees the England defender as the long-term successor to Roberto Carlos.

But the veteran Brazilian, 32, insisted: “I am happy here and I have a contract with the club.

“I like the club and the country, and I do not know from where the reports came that I have asked to leave because I do not yet feel I have reached my end by any stretch of the imagination.

“I have a contract for two more seasons with Real Madrid, with the last year being an option, which is down to me whether I take.

“This type of news does not affct me because Real Madrid always has to look for the best players, but I will continue to work the same with the intention of improving.

“I have been at Real Madrid a long time and my intention is to start winning trophies again.”

Roberto Carlos is one of Real’s longest-serving players, having joined from Inter Milan in 1996, and recently set the record for the most Primera Liga games played by a foreign footballer.

The Brazil international made his 330th league appearance in last weekend’s draw with Villarreal, beating the mark set by Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano.

The 25-year-old Cole, who signed a contract extension with the Gunners in the summer, is currently sidelined with a broken bone in his foot and is not expected to feature until the start of February.