Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he is tempted by Real Madrid's reported interest in bringing him back to the Bernabeu.
Return to Madrid would be "considered seriously," says striker
Ruud van Nistelrooy admits he is tempted by Real Madrid's reported interest in bringing the Hamburg striker back to the Bernabeu.
The Dutchman scored 46 goals in 68 games over a three-and-a-half-year stay with the Spanish giants before making the switch to Germany in January 2010.
Van Nistelrooy admits that, at 34, for his old club to show an interest again is a shock and he will "seriously" consider a return if a bid materialises.
"It is crazy what is happening," he said to
Liga Total television.
"I mean for such a club to come calling at this stage of my career - that is something which has got to be considered seriously.
"It has been a strange week. I had to focus all of my efforts on today's game and that was not easy," said the Dutchman, following Hamburg's 1-0 win at Schalke on Saturday.
"I think we are going to clear this up in the next few days."
Admiration
Madrid boss Jose Mourinho revealed his admiration for the former Manchester United star on Saturday, but Hamburg's director of sport Bastian Reinhardt insists no official approach had been made.
"We have spoken to Ruud and we know about Real's interest in signing him this winter," he said.
"But they have not made an offer and, therefore, we don't even need to discuss it.
"Of course Ruud is staying with us."
Hamburg coach Armin Veh hopes Reinhardt keeps his word after seeing the Dutchman grab the only goal of the game in the defeat of Schalke.
"Ruud is fitter now than he has ever been," he told
ZDF television.
"To lose him would be a bitter blow. Therefore we will do all that we can to keep him here, even though I can understand him."
