Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he never believed Jose Antonio Reyes wanted to leave for Real Madrid. Reports on Friday suggested Reyes had gone back on previous claims that he was hoping to move to the Bernabeu.
But Wenger said: "When I asked him what he had said it was always far different from what it said in the newspapers.
"If he says 'I'm flattered by the interest but I'm happy at Arsenal' and you cut off the second part of the sentence, you'll get what you want."
Reyes was thought to have set his heart on a move to Real Madrid after failing to settle at Highbury.
The rumours intensified when the 21-year-old fell victim to a hoax, telling a radio presenter he believed was Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno he was keen on a move.
He was later quoted as saying: "If Real are interested, it's important they speak to Arsenal."
However, on Friday he told the Sun newspaper: "The truth is that I'm happy here at Arsenal.
"I still expect to achieve more success and win many more titles here."
Wenger believes Reyes' words were simply translated badly.
"There was never a statement made in England to an English journalist," he said.
"It was always a statement made to a Spanish journalist and translated by a guy who sent it to England.
"That is why I never gave it much importance."
MMIX
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Reyes has the potential to be one of the greats of the game
