Real Madrid striker Javier Saviola admitted on Thursday that he almost left the club in January in an attempt to get more playing time. Despite the serious knee injury suffered by Ruud Van Nistelrooy this season, Saviola has still only played 187 minutes of Primera Liga football this season and started just one game.

The arrival of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in January has now served to push him even further down the pecking order.

The Argentinean made only nine league appearances last season and said that he was looking for a way to play more first team football.

Real Madrid's Javier Saviola celebrates his goal against Getafe during their Spanish first division soccer match at Coliseum Alfonso Perez stadium in Getafe Nov. 29, 2008

"I spoke with (Madrid coach) Juande Ramos and I explained my situation. I asked him how things were going to go and I also told him that if he was not going to count on my services then the best thing would be for me to look for an alternative that would allow me to play," explained Saviola during the midday press conference reported on the official club website.

The January transfer window had several rumors about the striker's possible departure from the reigning Primera Liga Champions and Saviola, who has also played for River Plate and FC Barcelona, confirmed the rumors had been true.

"I was very close to leaving, but later on I put things in the hands of the club. They were unable to reach and agreement and that is the reason why I am still here."

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