Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha has dismissed suggestions that he is unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena.
A year on from his failed transfer from Fulham, Palhinha finally completed his move to the Bundesliga giants in an alleged £47.4m deal during the summer.
Given the size of the fee, the expectation was that the Portugal international would immediately be drafted into Vincent Kompany's starting lineup.
Instead, the 29-year-old has largely been used from the substitutes' bench, his only start coming against minnows Holsten Kiel on September 14.
In total, Palhinha has only accumulated 141 minutes across five appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League, featuring for just 34 minutes since the aforementioned start.
Although the season is still in its early phase, there has been speculation as to whether Palhinha remains satisfied with his situation in Germany.
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What has Palhinha had to say?
Kompany has instead opted for the partnership of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic as his midfield two in the important matches.
Nevertheless, speaking to BILD, Palhinha has stressed that he remains determined to prove himself once given the opportunity later in the season.
He said: "I know my time at FC Bayern will come. That's why I work hard every day - I'm fighting for my chance.
"To be honest, I'm not interested in all the talk about me losing my patience. What is said or interpreted from the outside is not important.
"I am at this big club because I believe in myself. There have been many moments in my career when people have said things like: Will he make it? Will he get game time?' - we're just at the beginning."
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What next for Bayern?
Having failed to defeat any of Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa and Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern and Kompany are under pressure to deliver after the October international break.
A home showdown with Stuttgart on October 19 is followed by a trip to face Barcelona in the Champions League four days later.
Darren Plant
