The Dutchman, who has been sidelined since November after undergoing knee surgery, has been linked with Turkish side Galatasaray in recent days but the veteran striker is determined to stay with Madrid.

"I have a year left on my contract and I'm very happy. I'm going to remain here, I have no doubts. I will recover and I return to play in the Santiago Bernabeu," he said.

The 32-year-old Van Nistelrooy has not played since Madrid's 2-0 home defeat against Juventus in the Champions League on November 5, when he was substituted nine minutes from the end.

The former Manchester United hitman then underwent an operation and it was announced he would be out for between six to nine months.

The light at the end of the tunnel looks to be in sight for the ex-Holland international though, with Van Nistelrooy telling www.realmadrid.com today: "I've spent the last six months recovering and the worst is now behind me.

"It has been a tough process but now I can say that I am almost ready to start running.

"I will start running slowly next week and will gradually increase the pace.

"The team's pre-season will start around the middle of July and I think that, if all goes well, I will be able to join up with the squad in the first weeks of August. I'm eager to return."