Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez on Friday insisted senior defender Sergio Ramos is not leaving the club this season.
Ramos has been subject of persistent transfer speculations in the ongoing transfer season with reports linking him to a move to English giants Manchester United.
But Benitez reiterated that Real will not be selling the 29-year-old Spain international and have made him a part of the pre-season training tour, currently underway in Australia.
“There is a lot of talk about his (Ramos’) situation. For me he is an enormous professional. He applies himself and does everything that the team and I ask,” Benitez was quoted as saying by goal.com.
“The president (Florentino Perez) has already commented that he is staying with the club.”
Benitez, who was brought in to replace Italian Carlo Ancelotti after Real went trophyless last year, also said Ramos is an integral part of his team’s set up for the new season.
“I have spoken to him at length in the summer about his ideas and his future,” Benitez said.
“I see Sergio as an integral part of our team. He is a winner and that is what we need in our team.”
