Former Real Madrid striker Emilio Butragueno believes Sergio Ramos will go down as a Los Blancos legend one day.
The central defender signed a new five-year deal with the Santiago Bernabeu club on Monday ending a summer of speculation in which he was reportedly unhappy at the club and was keen on a move to Manchester United.
But the 29-year-old, who will remain at the club until 2020, has taken over the captaincy from Iker Casillas, who left for Porto in June.
Ramos is already considered a legend among fans after netting the injury time equaliser against Atletico de Madrid in the Champions League final in 2014 – a game in which Madrid went on to win 4-1 and secure La Decima.
And speaking to AS, Butragueno said Ramos’ legend will continue to grow.
“He came in from Sevilla at just 19, but with a great personality. There are players who were born to be at this club and Sergio has the spirit of legendary players. He begins a new stage with the club and has all the conditions to be successful as captain of Madrid,” he commented.
The six-time La Liga winner also said he was excited about the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan.
“Kovacic is a talented player who has spent several years in Italy even though he is just 21. We have high expectations for him because he is technically very gifted and he will certainly be a great signing.
“When a season begins, the approach is always the same – we go out to win all the titles we can, there are very strong teams in Spain and in Europe, but we are required to do our best and to meet the expectations of our fans.”
I’m happy with Sergio Ramos staying at the Real Madrid for 5 years contract up to 2020.