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Boudebouz leaves door open to Montpellier exit

PASCAL GUYOT/AFP/Getty Images

Ryad Boudebouz has insisted that he hasn't decided to leave Montpellier at the end of the season, but has acknowledged that he doesn't know exactly what the future holds.

The Algeria playmaker has been in outstanding form this season, realising the potential of his youth with a series of consistent displays to pull MHSC out of relegation trouble.

His form has led to rumours of a departure away from the south coast, but speaking to L'Equipe this weekend, the 27-year-old has left the door open to a possible summer exit.

"I have the right to leave, but we never know what tomorrow will bring," the attacking midfielder began. "Today I'm not saying to myself 'I need to leave'.

"Whatever happens, I'll keep a smile."

The North African has flattered to deceive at various stages of his career, despite his undisputed talent, but has finally found a measure of consistency this term, and is enjoying his most consistent campaign yet.

After 29 matches, Boudebouz has scored 11 for Montpellier, while also contributing eight assists -- the joint-second highest in the division.

Indeed, only three players -- Edinson Cavani, Falcao and Alexandre Lacazette -- have made more combined decisive contributions, while the former SC Bastia man is enjoying the most productive campaign of his career.

"In terms of pleasure, this is the season where I've been at my best," Boudebouz continued. "I'm finishing matches really washed out. I let go."

Unsurprisingly, his form has prompted rumoured interest from Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United -- among others -- during the January transfer window [as per talkSPORT].

"For the moment, it's completely out of the question that I leave with the club in Ligue 2," added Boudebouz. "At Montpellier, like at Bastia, people always did everything so that I was at my best.

"I want to repay them, so that they keep a good image of me."

After emerging onto the scene with Sochaux, Mulhouse-born Boudebouz joined Bastia in 2013 before signing for Montpellier two years later.

"Throughout my career there's always been a lot expected of me," he added. "I always heard 'we want, we want', and 'we are expecting that from you'.

"At the end, I didn't play as I wanted to," he concluded. "I put up barriers."