Renato Sanches has insisted "next year will definitely be better" after a disappointing debut season with Bayern Munich.
Sanches, 19, winner of the Golden Boy award and voted best young player at Euro 2016, has struggled to meet expectations at the German champions since his move last summer from Benfica.
The Portugal international has only started six Bundesliga games, and failed to score or provide an assist in 25 appearances in all competitions.
"Honestly, I have to say my first season here wasn't particularly good," Sanches told reporters after completing a Bundesliga game for the first time in Bayern's 1-0 win over Darmstadt on Saturday.
"But I won't let it get me down and I'm certain the coming season will be better for me. Personally speaking, I expected more in my first year, but next year will definitely be better."
There have been suggestions that Sanches could be loaned out, following in the footsteps of captain Philipp Lahm (Stuttgart), David Alaba (Hoffenheim) and Toni Kroos (Leverkusen), who all enjoyed productive spells away from the club before returning to great effect.
However, despite Sanches' unimpressive start to his career in Germany, Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out selling him or sending him out on loan.
Bayern paid €35 million for Sanches last summer but the fee could eventually rise as high as €80m, with further add-ons for FIFA Team of the Year recognition or nomination for the final three of the Ballon d'Or.