Unsettled Real Madrid striker Javier Saviola has revealed he came close to leaving the Bernabeu last month.

The Argentina international has barely been more than a squad player since joining Madrid from Barcelona in the summer of 2007 and last month the 27-year-old made it clear he had had enough, calling his situation "intolerable".

Saviola spoke to Madrid coach Juande Ramos at the time and it seems the former River Plate hitman was close to waving goodbye to the Spanish champions during the January transfer window.

"I spoke with him and explained my position, I asked him how things are going to be and also told him that if he didn't have me in his plans the best thing would be for me to search for somewhere else to play," he said today.

"I came close to leaving, and the matter was in the club's hands, but the club did not reach an agreement and I ended up staying here."

Saviola, who is behind Raul, Gonzalo Higuain and recent signing Klaas Jan Huntelaar in the pecking order, does not want to continue kicking his heels on the bench though and he admits he is still eyeing the Bernabeu exit door.

"It's difficult. When you go so long without playing it's difficult, as I like football so much and I would like to be able to contribute," he said.

"It's tough, but I'm a professional and know how it is. I hope that in this next stage of the season I can have more opportunities,

"I just want to play and I would love to at this club. If I can't do it here then I would also love to play somewhere else and show what I can do.

"It's tough when you haven't played in a long time. I want to think about the situation I'm in and either find a new club or remain here."