Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has rubbished speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy in Spain and open to a move back to Manchester United.
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Widespread reports in the British media in recent weeks have claimed that a 140 million pounds plus deal was being put together for the 29-year-old to return to Old Trafford next season, raising hopes among United fans and pundits that the transfer was actually close to happening.
Meanwhile in Spain, although Ronaldo did appear to criticise Madrid president Florentino Perez's transfer moves last summer, he has not recently given any suggestion that a move away from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was in his thoughts.
Ancelotti used his news conference ahead of Saturday's La Liga game at Villarreal to say the reports the current Ballon d'Or holder had his mind on a move back to Manchester were just "nonsense."
"Cristiano is happy here, very motivated to be here, and all madridismo is delighted with him," he said. "So these [reports] are nonsense.
"He is the best player in the world, without doubt, and has been for a long time. He has been showing great professionalism, character and leadership. We must enjoy him and do everything to keep him in this physical and mental condition -- as he will help us to win trophies."
Spanish reporters at the briefing were more concerned with whether long-serving club captain Iker Casillas would regain his place in goal for Saturday's game at El Madrigal, after summer signing Keylor Navas made his debut in Tuesday's 5-1 La Liga win over Elche.
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Ancelotti declined to say whether Casillas and Navas would start, before showing unusual frustration as reporters asked whether the lack of a confirmed No.1 was causing tension between the two keepers.
"I believe they get on well," Ancelotti said. "I do not know if they go out to dinner together, but they respect each other as professionals and teammates.
"It does not seem fair to me to say [who is my best keeper]. I want to show affection to all my players. It is not fair to make a ranking here of who is the best. If Iker plays, for example, that means he is best in my opinion."
The Italian grew particularly tetchy when asked about a report suggesting that his long-time associate William Vecchi's methods were old-fashioned and had surprised new signing Navas.
"[Vecchi] is the best goalkeeping coach in the world," Ancelotti said. "He has experience that nobody else has. Those are crazy lies."
There was just about time for Ancelotti to say that Pepe and Fabio Coentrao are ruled out Saturday's game through injury, and that Villarreal would again pose a tough test for his side, which was still looking for the right "balance" this season.
"We know we did not get on well at Villarreal last year," he said. "They are a very good team, quick, with very good organisation of the play. We are preparing knowing the game will be difficult.
"We will try and give our best -- to start with intensity and aggression, as we did very well against Deportivo La Coruna [last week].
"When we have control of the play and the ball we are more comfortable than when the opponent does. So we are working on improving that."