Reyes pleads for Real stay
Jose Antonio Reyes hopes his Liga-winning cameo will convince Real
Madrid to sign him on a permanent deal from Arsenal.
The Spanish international came off the bench to score twice on
Sunday as Real beat Barcelona to the title, but the brace could
have been his last act in the famous white shirt.
Coach Fabio Capello has been reluctant to start Reyes in recent
months and Madrid-based daily Marca is reporting that city rivals
Atletico Madrid are close to reaching a deal with Arsenal for the
forward.
However, Reyes - who has made clear he has no intention of
returning to North London - is still holding out for a move to the
Bernabeu after bringing the title back to Real for the first time
in four years.
"I made Madrid champions and I'm so happy about that because that
is the reason I came to the club," Reyes is quoted in The
Mirror.
"I just want to enjoy this moment because winning the title is so
special for me and for all of us - I'm happy I was able to do my
bit.
"Scoring two goals to help us win the last game of the season when
we needed a victory is a great feeling for me, and I hope they
aren't my last goals for Real Madrid.
"Maybe what has happened will convince the club they would like to
keep me.
"I've said many times what an honour it is to play for Real
Madrid."
Julio Baptista joined Arsenal on loan from Madrid in a swap deal
with Reyes last season, but Arsenal have already opted against
signing the Brazilian on a permanent deal.
