Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists he has no problem with England forward Raheem Sterling discussing the possibility of a move to Real Madrid.
Sterling was quizzed by Spanish outlet AS about joining Real, given City's two-year ban from European competition.
The 25-year-old re-iterated that he was "really happy at City" but admitted: "I am always open to challenges."
Guardiola said his players were "free to say what they think. We're not here to tell them what they have to say".
Sterling has developed into one of City's most influential players since joining from Liverpool in a £49m deal in July 2016.
Asked whether he would one day like to play for La Liga leaders Real, he told AS: "How do I answer that one? Is the camera live or is it just taking pictures?
"No one knows what the future will hold. I am a player and I am always open to challenges but right now my challenge is at City and I'm really happy. I have a contract with City now and I have to respect this.
"Real Madrid are a fantastic club. When you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it's massive."
Guardiola said of the interview: "It's normal in the Madrid media to speak about Madrid, that's normal.
"I'm completely sure (of) the commitment of our players, it's about what they've shown for many years, nothing changes.
"At the end of the season nobody knows what is going to happen. With calm we decide what we want, but for the next three months the commitment will be incredible
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