Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has been dominating the headlines in the summer transfer window for long now, with Manchester United reportedly favorites to sign the Spaniard, but all this now appears to have reached its end.
According to Sid Lowe of the Telegraph, despite interest from England, and the player’s desire to transfer to Old Trafford, club president Florentino Perez has informed the 29-year-old he will not be leaving Santiago Bernabeu under any circumstance.
This occurred in a long meeting held in Guangzhou, China between Perez, the player, his brother and agent Rene, and Los Blancos chief executive José Ángel Sánchez, which “ran late in Sunday night”.
With the Red Devils having already tabled two bids for Ramos, the defender reiterated his intentions on joining the English side, but Perez refused to entertain the notion.
The Real Madrid president came under heavy criticism from a majority of the fan for his handling of legend and former captain Iker Casillas’ departure, with reports suggesting the Furia Roja custodian was forced out the door despite his years of loyal service.
“Ramos is not for sale” was chanted at Saint Iker’s farewell ceremony, and calls for Florentino to resign rang on social media, meaning the departure of Ramos, the next-in-line captain, will all but completely destroy his position at the club and with the supporters.
Perez’s relationship with Ramos has already turned sour, with failed attempts to rebuild bridges, but Sergio has two years remaining on his contract, which gives the Liga BBVA giants full control over the situation.
With just over a month left in the transfer window, it is yet to be seen what Louis Van Gaal’s side will do in the wake of this revelation.
Man United are not willing to sell Real Madrid David De Gea unless Ramos is included in the deal, but the recent signing of Sergio Romero may be a sign that the Red Devils are preparing for life without their hot-shot goalkeeper.
