Christoph Metzelder will consider leaving Real Madrid if he cannot force his way into the first team.
The Germany defender, who moved to the Bernabeu from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, has been hampered by injury during his time in Spain.
Metzelder has been unable to hold down a place in Juande Ramos' starting XI, with Fabio Cannavaro and Pepe the preferred pairing in central defence, and admits the time has come to consider his future.
"It is clear I have to deal with this subject, if my situation at Real does not improve," he told Sport Bild.
"I need match sharpness to get back into the national team."
Metzelder, whose contract at Madrid runs until 2010, claims he will make a decision by the end of the season.
"The end of May is the time to consider the facts. Up until then I am concentrating fully on the eight remaining games. I want to make further appearances."
Metzelder has been unable to hold down a place in Juande Ramos' starting XI, with Fabio Cannavaro and Pepe the preferred pairing in central defence, and admits the time has come to consider his future.
"It is clear I have to deal with this subject, if my situation at Real does not improve," he told Sport Bild.
"I need match sharpness to get back into the national team."
Metzelder, whose contract at Madrid runs until 2010, claims he will make a decision by the end of the season.
"The end of May is the time to consider the facts. Up until then I am concentrating fully on the eight remaining games. I want to make further appearances."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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