Real Madrid defender David Alaba has played down speculation linking him with a possible return to Bayern Munich.

Alaba enjoyed a successful 12-year spell at Bayern and made over 430 appearances across all competitions, winning a total of 25 trophies including 10 Bundesliga titles.

In the summer of 2021, the 31-year-old decided to seek a fresh challenge in the prime years of career and joined Real Madrid on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract at Bayern.

Alaba has since featured 97 times for Los Blancos in all tournaments and is considered a first-team regular, when fit, under manager Carlo Ancelotti, starting 12 games so far this season.

The Austria international, who has struggled with niggling injuries this year, still has over two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract at the Santigo Bernabeu, but speculation has recently surfaced surrounding his future.

Indeed, Alaba is believed to be the subject of interest from a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia, who continue to pursue some of the top players from across Europe.

A possible return to Bayern has also been mooted for Alaba, but the defender has insisted that he is remains content at his current club Real Madrid.

Speaking to reporters during the international break, as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano, about a potential return to the Allianz Arena, Alaba said: "I'm not thinking that far ahead. I feel very comfortable in Madrid.

"I like Real Madrid and I have very clear goals. My thoughts are not anywhere else."

Alaba has admitted in a separate interview with Sport1 that he is still following his former club Bayern and has been impressed with their progress so far this season

"Of course I'm always following FC Bayern," said the Austrian as quoted by Bavarian Football Works. "They're having a very good season so far. Yes they were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal, but they've been doing very well in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga."

Asked if Bayern have the credentials to win this season's Champions League, Alaba added: "I think that depends on so many details. Both teams (Bayern and Real) have the quality to win the Champions League. Of course our goal is to be at the top in the end, but there's still a very long way to go."

Both Bayern and Real Madrid have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League after winning each of their opening four group-stage matches, two of only three clubs along with holders Manchester City to boast a 100% record in this year's group stage. body check tags ::