Rumors have been heavily linking Real Madrid’s star central defender Sergio Ramos with a move to English Premier League giants Manchester United, but this has not prevented him from sharing hugs and jokes with their new coach and president.
On Thursday, the Spanish defender, alongside his fellow team-mates met Rafael Benitez for the first time since being appointed as new first-team coach at the Bernabeu. President Florentino Perez was also present to welcome back the players ahead of the new season.
Benitez has the responsibility of replacing the popular and successful Carlo Ancelotti
Reports are that the Blancos ace is unhappy with Perez and the board over his current salary package, which he feels is not worthy enough of a player of his status and quality, but showed no sign of this, wearing a big smile and even sharing a warm embrace with the Real Madrid president.
It remains unclear whether this was merely a portrayal of courtesy at Les Merengues’ meet-and-greet, with rumors claiming Ramos has already informed the club he is ready to quit Spain for an Old Trafford switch, or whether this was a clear message that the 29-year-old is happy in Madrid and ready to stay.
Sergio, who was on holiday with friends in Ibiza, has two year left to his Real Madrid contract, but is believed to have already been subject to a £23.8m bid from Van Gaal's side, which was turned down by his current employers.
Other players on show were summer acquisition Danilo, who was presented at Real Madrid’s home ground on Thursday, German maestro Toni Kroos, who enjoyed an impressive debut season, and Porto-bound veteran Iker Casillas.
Florentino Perez welcomed back the likes of Raphael Varane, Martin Odegaard, and Jese Rodriguez
After 25 seasons with the 10-time Champions League winners, the Furia Roja legend nears a move to Portugal after coming under heavy criticism last campaign from the club’s very own supporters.
The Liga BBVA heavyweights have identified David De Gea as the perfect replacement, as Saint Iker looks to make way in between the sticks.
NO HARD FEELINGS: Iker and Perez share an embrace despite the goalkeeper's Real Madrid career coming to an end
Another star man at hand on Thursday was Welsh ace Gareth Bale, also being linked with the Red Devils. The former Tottenham star looks to receive assurance from the new boss about his position at the club after a rough 2014-15 season.
Gareth Bale with Perez and Benitez before the meeting. pic.twitter.com/KbFabS5cYm
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome) July 9, 2015
Marcelo, who just signed a contract extension with Los Blancos until 2020, warmly greets the club president
The entire team will report back on Friday ahead of medicals and a double training session, with their pre-season International Champions Cup tournament drawing closer, kicking off on July 19 with a clash with Roma.
