Rafael Benitez has expressed his affection for Real Madrid, amid rumours he may replace coach Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Chelsea interim coach Benitez was part of Vincente del Bosque's staff at Real Madrid before becoming a head coach with Real Valladolid in 1995/96.
Benitez, who won La Liga with Valencia and the Champions League at Liverpool, said he is focused on his role with Chelsea, but acknowledged the strength of his affection for Real Madrid.
He told Radio Nacional de Espana: "I have a contract (with Chelsea) until the end of the season and I am going to do everything possible for this club to have the best success.
"Real Madrid have a determined manager with a contract and this deserves respect. As a manager, you always have your sweetheart. I have a link with the fans and they have treated me well.
"I arrived at (Real) Madrid when I was 13-years-old and I'm from Madrid. But I don't want to get involved in this speculation because my words aren't always interpreted (correctly)."
The 52-year-old also refused to rule out coaching the Spanish national team in years to come, but knows he will have to impress if he is to land such a role.
"I can't rule out one day becoming national coach when Vicente (del Bosque) leaves," he said.
"It's something I will look at in the future, although for this I have to continue in elite football and keep doing things well."
