Real Madrid star Thiago Pitarch may already have dropped hint on future plans amid Sunderland transfer links

Sunderland have been linked with an ambitious swoop for Real Madrid starlet Thiago Pitarch, but a recent interview from the player himself would seem to suggest that he has no intention of leaving the Spanish capital anytime soon.

According to continental outlet Fichajes, the promising midfielder - who has made six senior appearances for his boyhood club this season - is the subject of a £12.9 million bid from the Black Cats. It is claimed that Regis Le Bris’ side have been tracking his progress for some time, and that they see him as a high-quality acquisition capable of boosting their squad in the long-term.

It should be noted, however, that Fichajes have previously shared a number of fanciful reports involving Sunderland, including outlandish claims that the Black Cats were in the running to sign both Real Madrid forward Endrick and Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez. As such, these fresh links with Pitarch should perhaps be viewed warily.

What has Thiago Pitarch said about his time at Real Madrid amid Sunderland transfer links?

And to that end, the player himself has spoken openly about how content he is with the La Liga giants. Following his full Champions League debut against Manchester City last week, the 18-year-old discussed his personal progress of late with AS, stating: “Even in my wildest dreams, I never imagined this. Being around these players, the best in the world… You have to enjoy it and learn as much as you can. I think I’ve integrated really well into the team, especially with [Federico] Valverde and Brahim [Diaz]. I speak most with the Spanish players, but those two have been a huge help in matches.”

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On playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, Pitarch continued: “I heard the ovation just as I was heading to the bench and got goosebumps. I thought, ‘Are they calling me?’ It was incredible. Watching the video later made me so proud. It’s a huge moment for my family and me after all these years of work. I feel the fans have taken a liking to me, and I’ll always be grateful. I will give everything for this jersey and keep fighting for wins like yesterday.”

The midfielder also addressed his positive relationship with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, explaining: “He’s very important to me. From the very first minute, he has given me complete confidence. I try to repay that in every way I can. From day one, he’s talked with me, telling me to have personality, to be myself, and not be afraid to show who I am. That’s exactly what I try to do to honour the trust he’s placed in me.”

All in all, then, if Pitarch’s comments are to be taking at face value - and if Fichajes’ previous track record is taken into consideration too - this has the feeling of another speculative report that is unlikely to come to fruition.

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