Benat ignoring transfer talk

Real Betis midfielder Benat insists he is not thinking about leaving the La Liga club any time soon amid interest from Manchester City.

The English Premier League champions reportedly see the 25-year-old as the ideal addition to their midfield.

But the Spain international says he is focused on his current club for now.

“At the moment I’m only thinking about Betis and the next game. My agents take care of that and they know what is best for me. I speak to them regularly, but I’m just doing my utmost for the team right now,” Benat told Goal.com.

The midfielder came through the ranks of the Athletic Bilbao youth academy, but failed to secure regular first-team action at the Basque side.

But he remains grateful that Athletic offered him the chance to play professional football.

“I wanted to become a footballer ever since I was a kid. I was fortunate to spend 10 years at the club’s youth academy, and to make my professional debut there,” Benat said.

“It was difficult to leave the club, but I just wanted to play football and didn’t care where. I was just trying to make a living for myself and I’m happy that Betis gave me a chance.”

Like illustrious compatriots such as Xavi and Andres Iniesta, Benat does not stand out for his physical qualities, but he is adamant his tender physique is not a problem.

“Times have changed. A few years ago, coaches were looking for physically strong players. People now focus on talent and skill. It should not be about winning at youth level,” he said.

The gifted midfielder made his debut for Spain’s national side earlier this year, and he is proud to be part of such a successful team.

“It is an honour to be part of the national team and play with these great players. I’m not just talking about the midfielders, but also about the goalkeepers, defenders and attackers. They have treated me very well,” Benat said.

“We have some quality players and our own philosophy. The people enjoy our style of play and it’s successful. We have twice been European champions and are world champions. We showed that it’s possible to win with our style.”