Post Script. The Atom has been told by Del Bosque that there is no place for him in the squad (only five non-EU players can be registered this year, one less than last season), and that he must find another team. Once again he has been reluctant to leave, and although Benfica have made a good offer he does not want to make a move. If he doesn't go, he will spend next season kicking his heels.

28.05. Was substitute in the Champions League final and, although he didn't get on the pitch, was seen smiling in the photos after the game.

21.05. Not even on the bench for the last match of the season.

14.05. Non-playing substitute against Bayern again, and repeated against Betis. May go on loan next season, if he doesn't leave that is.

07.05. Non-playing substitute against Bayern. Came on as substitute against Alavés halfway through the second half, but was unimpressive.

30.04. Came on as substitute in the cup semi-final for the last 25 minutes without much effect. Was a last minute substitute in the league, mainly to waste time.

23.04. Not in the squad for either game this week.

16.04. Stayed on the bench for the two games this week.

09.04. Came on for the last four minutes in the Champions League game, presumably as he will probably be sold at the end of the season and it was an opportunity to put him in the shop window.

12.03. Has not been in the squad recently, presumably injured.

05.03. Came on for the last ten minutes in place of Morientes against Bayern Munich. Didn't play against Oviedo.

27.02. Back to substitute against Barcelona, but didn't come on.

20.02. Started on Tuesday against Valladolid and was substituted in the second half. Second half substitute in Thursday's cup match, he started the match against Valencia on the bench again.

13.02. Played the whole game in the cup midweek and came on at half time for the injured Raúl against Málaga.

06.02. Got his first goal for the club in the cup against Zaragoza, and came on as substitute against Deportivo.

30.01. Sub mid week against Betis and expected to replace the injured Savio against Bilbao, but started on the bench again.

09.01. In the squad now, but didn't get an opportunity in Brazil.

21.12. Played first half against Alavés but substituted at half time.

18.12. Was in the starting line up for the first time against Espanyol, playing on the right wing. Made the first Real goal for Raúl.

12.12. Getting a run out as substitute.

21.11. Injured again.

08.11. Came on fot the last couple of minutes in the friendly against Arsenal.

31.10. Long term injury to Balic and leaving of Jarni opened up first team non-EU squad spot. Takes shirt number 23 and was already on bench for match against Atlético.

17.10. With the serious injury to Balic, a non-EU place has opened up in the squad. However, current favourite to take it is Jarni.

21.9. He has received an offer from Paris Sait Germain.

11.9. The only news we have is that he has just replaced his BMW with a Porsche Boxter.

30.8. Signed by Guus Hiddink last December, but a serious injury and a change of manager meant that he hardly played last season. Toshack has not included him in his squad of 25 as he already had the maximum 6 non-EU players. Linked with Zaragoza and Málaga in the close season but finally decided to stay at Madrid and hope for inclusion in the squad in the December open transfer period, if and when Julio César and /or Savio can get EU citizenship in the next couple of months.