Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was questioned on the speculation linking Manchester City star Raheem Sterling to the Spanish giants on the day the England international discussed a move to Madrid in a Spanish magazine.
City face Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 with the first-leg taking place at the Bernabeu on February 26.
The fixture is even more important to City after UEFA announced the Blues would be banned from participation in European club competitions for the next two seasons due to breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
As a result of the ban, speculation has been rife that plenty of City players could angle for a move and Sterling was asked about his interest in joining Madrid in an interview with AS .
He said: "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 Manchester City. In the future, hopefully, who knows..."
Prior to Madrid's game against Levante - their last before the City clash - Zidane was asked about their interest in the England international.
The Frenchman refused to be drawn on the speculation but admitted Sterling was a great player.
"I can't talk about a player who isn't mine," Zidane said. "He's a very good player, no doubt about that."
Pep Guardiola was also asked about Sterling's decision to conduct an interview with the Spanish outlet.
The City boss admitted he saw no issue with the media appearance.
Guardiola said: "The players are free to talk and say what they think.
"We are not here to tell them what to say.
"I am completely sure about the commitment of our players. They have shown it for many, many years. No one knows what will happen, but right now the commitment for the last three months, every single game, I don't have any doubts."
