Monday 17 August 2015 14:37, UK
Sergio Ramos has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new five-year contract with Real Madrid.
The captain signed his new deal on Monday afternoon in a public ceremony at the Bernabeu, putting to bed the possibility of a move to Manchester United this summer, and he insisted his priority was always to remain in Madrid.
"I know this renewal has taken a while but my heart and head have always been with Real Madrid so I couldn't be happier," he said.
"I've never spoken about my renewal. With a contract that had two years to go, whatever the press want to say I respect but the reality is a bit different.
"My idea was to always be here and I always wanted to retire here if the president would allow it, and I'm thankful I have a new challenge to be the captain of this team. The priority is always Real Madrid, keeping our fans happy and winning titles.
"I'm being honest I never said I wanted to leave, I was quiet. I never said anything out of respect for my team-mates and the president, I never rang the office to ask for more money. I'm just very happy that I have renewed."
United wanted the Spain centre-half as part of any deal for David De Gea, according to Sky sources, and Real's announcement on Ramos raises further question marks over the goalkeeper's Old Trafford future.
The 24-year-old was again left out of the side at Aston Villa on Friday, with Louis van Gaal claiming the Real target was "not eager to play".
De Gea is into the final year of his United contract, and the Daily Mirror reported on Monday he will be offered £12m in signing-on fees if he joins Real for nothing next summer.
Watch Real Madrid's La Liga season opener at Sporting Gijon live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Sunday from 7.30pm.
