Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol has penned a new contract that will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2017, the club has announced.
GettyImagesRaul Albiol joined Real Madrid from Valencia in 2009
• Ronaldo hopes to play in MLS
• Cristiano Ronaldo interview 
Albiol, 26, has been a bit-part player for Real under Jose Mourinho and started just five league games last season.
But despite reports suggesting he would be ready to leave the reigning La Liga champions in search of first-team football, the Spain international has opted to stay in Madrid and fight for his place in the side.
“I am very happy because this means that the club and the coaching staff here are still confident in me,” Albiol said. “I am very happy at Real Madrid and I now have to prove that I can be a valid player for this team.
“… I have the enthusiasm and desire to continue at this club. I am very happy here and hopefully I can stay and I will retire here.”
Albiol arrived at Real Madrid from Valencia in a €15 million switch in 2009 – but since Mourinho took charge at the Bernabeu in 2010 he has found himself playing second-fiddle to Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.