Tuesday, October 14 2008 -- Italian World Cup winning defender and captain Fabio Cannavaro has emphasized his intention to carry on playing for Spanish and European giants Real Madrid beyond the summer.

The former Juventus central defender was signed by Real Madrid in the summer of 2006 on a three-year contract that is supposed to end at the end of this season. He has not quite been consistent so far at the Bernabeu and there are some who feel that the former FIFA World Player of the Year is past it.

It was speculated both in the Spanish and Italian press last week that Cannavaro would return to his hometown club Napoli where he actually started his career. Even his agent seemed to throw a hint or two in that direction.

But the player himself has now come out and told Spanish sports daily AS:

"I want to renew. I am very tranquil, I will await to talk to the club and sort this out by the end of the year.

"The whole world knows that I am eager to ink a new deal, I am not willing to leave Spain, I feel great here and my family is happy in Madrid.

"I am 100 per cent 'Real', I am aware the supporters love me and I aim to win the Champions League with this team. Afterwards, I could even pack my bags..."

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster himself admitted at the weekend that he would like Cannavaro to stay on at the Bernabeu beyond the summer.