Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez has said he is sure Sergio Ramos will be at the club next season.
The defender has been subject of much speculation throughout the summer so far with Manchester United keen on securing his services for 50 million euros. So far, Real have turned down any advances for the player.
Ramos is thought to be unhappy with Real president Florentino Perez for not putting him in the top pay bracket at the Santiago Bernabeu in talks over a new contract.
But speaking in Melbourne ahead of Real’s match with Manchester City, Benitez said Ramos would be at the club for the new season.
“Sergio Ramos is our player, he is a key player for us, he is the captain, I would like to see him at the beginning of the season because I think he will be crucial for us during the season,” he said.
“Yes, for me 100 per cent, I insist that it is both clear for me and the club that Sergio will be here. Football is a curious world, but he will be playing for us this season. I have a lot of respect for Louis van Gaal, but Sergio will stay with us,” he commented.
Asked about an update on Los Blancos’ move for David de Gea, Benitez played down any talk of a deal.
De Gea is not our player, so [I have] nothing to say about him,” he told reporters.
