REAL MADRID COACH Rafael Benitez insists Sergio Ramos will not be leaving the club after labelling the centre-back a “winner”.
Manchester United have been tipped to sign the 29-year-old after talks stalled with Madrid over a new contract, which expires in June 2017.
Nevertheless, Benitez reiterated that Madrid have no intention of selling Ramos, with the Spain international part of the club’s pre-season training tour of Australia.
“There is a lot of talk about his [Ramos'] situation,” Benitez told reporters ahead of Madrid’s opening International Champions Cup match against Roma on Saturday.
“For me he is an enormous professional. He applies himself and does everything that the team and I ask. The president [Florentino Perez] has already commented that he is staying with the club.”
Benitez, who demanded that his side improve defensively after watching them concede more goals in La Liga than champions Barcelona, rivals Atletico Madrid and Valencia last season, then confirmed the importance of Ramos.
“I have spoken to him at length in the summer about his ideas and his future,” the former Napoli coach continued.
“I see Sergio as an integral part of our team. He is a winner and that is what we need in our team.”
The Spain international, who moved to the Bernabeu in 2005, is expected to be made captain following the departure of goalkeeper Iker Casillas to Porto.
Originally published at 10.49
Can’t really argue with Fogarty, but Richie Hogan made a huge impact off the bench.
Hogan was the most important player on the pitch. He changed the game
Hard to look past Richie hogan.
I thought Cillian Buckley was outstanding
James O Donoghue was surely MOTM for Kerry!?