Marcos Llorente has revealed that he is ready to 'fulfil his dream' of playing for Real Madrid's first team next season.
The 22-year-old has been with Real Madrid since 2008, but he has only made three first-team appearances for Los Blancos, and spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan with fellow La Liga side Alaves.
The midfielder impressed during his time at Alaves, and he has been recalled to Real Madrid ahead of the new campaign.
Llorente has admitted that he previously doubted whether he had the credentials to "compete at the best club in the world", but the Spain Under-21 international is now ready to make his mark at the Bernabeu.
"I think before last season, I had doubts about whether I could compete at the best club in the world. But this year in Vitoria has been very good, especially in proving to myself that I can achieve my dream," Llorente told Marca.
"I was hoping to finish it by winning the European Under-21 Championship, but looking back, it's been a great season for me and I'm prepared for going back. Will I be at Madrid next season? Yes, that's what the club told me. They conveyed the confidence that they have in me.
"I know that the best players in the world are at Madrid, they go [into next season] from having a great year. It'll be difficult, but that's what I'm here for, I want to work and sacrifice myself in order to fulfil my dream.
"I've already talked to the club. My loan in Vitoria has ended and now I have a contract in force with Madrid. They informed me that I'm joining them on their US tour after my holidays. My dream has always been to succeed at Real Madrid and I'll do everything in my power to make it happen."
Llorente, who was born in Madrid, joined Real's youth team at the age of 13.
Matt Law
