MACCA NAMED IN REAL SQUAD
McManaman had earlier been told by Real coach Vicente del Bosque that he was not wanted, and was advised to look for another club.
The arrival of Luis Figo immediately cast doubts over McManaman's future, and these increased when he was then left out of the squad for the European Supercup against Galatasary in Monaco.
Real were accepting offers for the 28-year-old winger, including one from Middlesbrough, but he refused to leave and has repeatedly stated that he is prepared to stay and fight for his place.
"The player received offers, some of them for more money than he's earning here, but he preferred to stay," said Del Bosque as he announced his squad.
He did not say how many games the former Liverpool star would figure in this season but he has been given the number eight shirt and, despite recent criticism of his treatment, says McManaman is happy.
"Macca is happy here and he wants to continue as a Real Madrid player," the coach added.
The full Real Madrid squad is: 1-Bodo Illgner, 2-Michel Salgado, 3-Roberto Carlos, 4-Fernando Hierro, 5-Manuel Sanchis, 6-Ivan Helguera, 7-Raul, 8-Steve McManaman, 9-Fernando Morientes, 10-Luis Figo, 11-Savio, 12-Ivan Campo, 13-Cesar, 14-Guti, 15-Geremi, 16-Flavio Conceicao, 17- Pedro Munitis, 18-Aitor Karanka, 19-Tote, 20-Albert Celades, 21-Santiago Solari, 22- Alberto Rivera, 23-Julio Cesar, 24-Claude Makelele, 25-Iker Casillas.
This confirms our earlier story 'Macca Set For Champions League Recall' - click here to read.
