Real Madrid iconic defender Sergio Ramos has eventually decided to remain at the club, probably until the end of his career, following days of speculation linking him with a move to a Chinese SuperLeague outfit. On Wednesday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that Ramos had asked to leave the club on a free transfer in order to complete a lucrative move to China, but the Blancos refused to let him go.
"I told Ramos that it was impossible for Real Madrid to let their captain go for free," Florentino Perez said. "They came to see me at the office and they told me that they had a very good offer from China but that the rules there do not allow them to pay the transfer." Perez and Ramos reportedly had a falling out in Aprlil, following Real Madrid's 4-1 defeat against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League. Ramos did not play in that match after having received a yellow card on purpose in the first leg of the tie in order to be suspended for the second.
Ramos has joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 and now, at the age of 33, he is the club's longest-serving player, having scored 84 goals in 606 appearances. He has won four league titles and the Champions League on four occasions and has also won the World Cup and the European Championship with the Spanish national team.
"It is true that I have an offer from China on the table, I will not lie about it," Ramos said. His contract with the Blancos expires in 2021. "My dream is to retire here," he added. "At no moment did I consider going to China. Yesterday I went to see the president to make everything clear. I told the president that I would never go to a team that could compete with Real Madrid. If one day I go then it is because I think my body does not allow me to give a high level. I am the captain of Real Madrid and I feel very loved and supported by my team-mates. I'm not looking to renew my contract. I am happy with what I have. People always think it's a strategy to earn more, but it's the opposite."
Real Madrid have finished the season in third place in LaLiga, and now they are 11/8 at Bet365 to win the title next season.
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