Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has rejected rumours that he is to leave the Bernebeu this summer.

The Dutch forward has been the subject of numerous rumours linking him with a move away from the Spanish giants but is adamant that he is happy and wants to remain with Los Blancos for at least another year.

Injured for much of the season Van Nistelrooy has managed only a handful of competitive games - adding to speculation that the striker would be on his way to one of Europe's top clubs.

However, speaking to the Real Madrid official website Van Nistelrooy was clear about his intentions.

"Of course. I have another year left on my contract and I am very happy. There isn't a doubt in my mind that I will stay. I will get better and I will play again at the Santiago Bernabeu," he said.

With regards to his injury, Van Nistelrooy says that he has been doing everything he can to recover, and that he is getting better now.

"I've spent the last six months recovering and the worst is now behind me...I have sometimes asked myself, "Why do I do all this?" And the answer is to return to football. I still haven't done everything I set out to accomplish and there is a lot left for me to win on the pitch. That is my main goal," he explained.

"People have treated me so well. They tell me that they miss me and that I need to return soon. It's people like that who motivate me to go to the gym every day and to do another two hours of work.

"I have been in good hands ever since I was injured. The doctors have guided and supported me throughout the process. I can't name any one specific person. All the doctors and therapists have been very involved in my recovery."

Certainly a fit and firing Van Nistelrooy would be a major boost to the capital club as they look to win back the league title they lost to Barcelona this season.

The Dutchman says that he thought his team were going to win it this year but that next season they will be starting from scratch again.

"As the weeks went by and we cut points off of Barcelona's lead, I thought we would win the league. We weren't winning matches in easy fashion. The team had to battle in each match. We were right there, but everything was pretty much lost after the Clasico. With everything that the club went through, like a change in coach, change in president... you have to admit that the players managed to focus on training, playing and winning. We were right there until the end. I think the team did a great job," he assured.

"It's not a matter of desire. We will start from scratch next season. There will be a new president, new sporting director, possibly a new coach and new players. It will be a new chapter for the club, so let's see how it goes. We have to look ahead and be professional."