"For me, Steven Gerrard is a very, very important player," he said.
"I have heard the stories about Real Madrid, but I have talked with them at Madrid, and I am sure it is not true. They have assured me there is no truth in it.
"I have spoken to Steven, and he has told me he wants to be a Liverpool player. Sometimes there is just a demand for news."
Gerrard himself said: "There's nothing I can do about speculation. I've made it very clear I'm happy at Liverpool."