Jonathan Woodgate has promised to prove himself in Spain with Real Madrid.

After spending a yea on the sidelines recovering from injury, Woodgate is determined to justify the £14m spent on him by Real.

“The last thing on my mind is a move when Real have looked after me,” said Woodgate.

“I want to stay here and prove myself as a player.

“I signed a four-year contract and I’d like to think I’m here for the long haul. I have to pay the club back, because they have looked after me through the tough times and they got me back to fitness.

“Not once have they said anything bad about me and they have backed me all the way. I have a lot to give back to them – and to the fans as well.”

Woodgate’s first appearance for Real ended in farce, as he was dismissed against Athletic Bilbao having scored an own goal earlier in the match.