Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has announced he is staying with the club next season, despite receiving an offer from China.
Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, the 33-year-old centre-back has commited his future to Los Blancos after a wave of speculation linking him with a summer move away from the Spanish capital.
“I am Madridista. I want to retire here,” said Ramos. “I don’t want the fans to be left in any doubts.
“There has been too much speculation about my future and I wanted to reiterate my commitment to the club.”
When asked about his bond with club president Florentino Perez, he added: “My relationship with the president is similar to that of a father and son.”
The announcement comes amid talk of a lucrative summer move to China, and while Ramos accepted he has received an offer from the far East, he was quick to address his situation.
“There is an offer from China,” he confirmed, “and If I didn’t feel wanted (at Real Madrid) then it’s an alternative.
“But at present my deal is with Real Madrid and my plan is to see out my contract.
“There has been too much speculation and I wanted to clear this matter up.
“It’s important that I feel wanted here at the club – by the fans, team mates and, of course, the president.”
After underlining his commitment to Real, Ramos said he called the press conference “so we can all enjoy the summer and ensure that my name is not in the headlines.
“I get annoyed to see stories circulating that are not true,” he said, “and that was the motivation for calling the press conference.”
The defender was believed to be close to joining Premier League giants Manchester United in 2015 before extending his Madrid contract, which now runs until 2021.
Earlier this week, Perez said the Spanish international would not be leaving the Bernabeu on a free transfer in the wake of a prospective a move to the Chinese Super League (CSL).
More to follow…
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