Carlo Ancelotti quashed reports that a deal has been agreed between Napoli and Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentina striker netted in a 6-0 friendly victory over Bournemouth.
Ancelloti, managing the Spanish giants for the first time after replacing Jose Mourinho this summer, introduced the forward at the break and he took just two minutes to score Madrid's fourth in an emphatic victory at Dean Court.
And the Italian confirmed he wants the forward - who has been closely linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea as well as Napoli - to stay and that until he hears otherwise he will be treating Higuain as one of his first-team squad.
"Not true, I don't have any news about this," he said at the press conference when asked to confirm whether a deal had been agreed with the Italian club.
"I think that now we have to speak about Higuain as a Real Madrid player. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic striker who took one minute to score tonight.
"I spoke to him this week. He is a Real Madrid player and until we have news we have to consider him as a Real Madrid player and I would like him to stay with us.
"He is very important to us and nothing else - it is not my business to judge the price of a player."
Cristiano Ronaldo netted the first two goals of his new manager's reign and predictably talk soon turned to the importance of a player so revered on these shores from his time at Manchester United.
Ancelotti explained how he sees his number seven as the most important player at the club amid rumours this week that a new deal is on the way for the Portugal international.
"I think Ronaldo is the most important player in this team because he is the player with the best quality," he said. "I think we will help him every time to do his best because if he does that every time we have a great opportunity for this season.
Source: PA
