Cristiano Ronaldo wants Sergio Ramos to stay at Real Madrid.

The Portuguese star called Ramos from Miami to check on everything that is happening between him and the club, according to Cadena Cope. He expressed his full support to the Spain international, whatever decision he takes, but also said that the dressing room would not be the same without him. Cristiano understands that a figure like Ramos is crucial for the team and to help win titles in the future. Not only for his performances on the pitch but for his leadership off it. Cristiano and Ramos are now the two players who rule the roost at the club, along with Iker Casillas, but the goalkeeper is usually the calmer of the three in the way he goes about his leadership.

Ramos started his pre-season holiday on Thursday, also travelling to the United States.

Before travelling he received another call. This time it was Florentino Pérez, who was not present at the meeting Ramos attended at Valdebebas alongside José Ángel Sánchez, where the defender asked the club to listen to offers for him because he wanted to leave. The conversation between Ramos and Florentino lasted only a few minutes. The president asked the centre-back to wait until he returned from holiday to talk more about his future, and out of the public eye. But Ramos insisted that the club should listen to offers for him. The first, from United of €50 million, was already on the table. Ramos says that he wants his future to be resolved before the Madrid squad returns for pre-season on July 10.

Reaction

The reaction of the rest of the squad to the situation of Ramos has not gone unnoticed by Florentino. Many players have shown their disbelief about the possible departure of Ramos and his relationship with Pérez has been discussed in the players’ own WhatsApp group. After the first offer came in from United for Ramos, Madrid set their asking price at €90 million. However, at no time has the club told United that he is strictly not for sale.

Cristiano is very concerned about the possible departure of the two club captains (Iker and Ramos). Because of his winning character, he knows the possible departures could have a negative impact on the new era under Rafa Benítez. Nobody understands Ramos like the Portuguese star. He went through a similar experience of feeling undervalued (saying he was “sad”) and asked for a better contract. The answer Florentino gave him (“If you want to go, the money will be used to sign Messi”) saw the pair stop speaking. Cristiano came close to leaving Madrid but in the end he got his pay increase (€21 million net). When Cristiano called Ramos, he mentioned that to him.

The centre-back continues to feel that he has been mistreated with all the leaks that have come out of the club. He feels that his image has been tarnished, on top of the fact that he feels undervalued, especially given relative newcomer Bale and Benzema, who recently had his deal renewed, earn more than him. He knows that there are five players who have a higher salary than him and he believes, like Cristiano did, that he is crucial to Real Madrid.