Sergio Ramos Takes Over Captaincy Of Los Blancos

Sergio Ramos has landed in Australia to take up his position as captain, albeit without any contract renewal in place. Casillas has handed over to Ramos, a transfer of power among equals, legend to legend, with the Real Madrid captaincy an honour inherited through seniority, one of the few traditions dating back to Santiago Bernabéu's days to have survived.

Sergio Ramos landed in Melbourne as the new head of the 'Los Blancos' dressing room, a mantle he had in reality already adopted in recent seasons. Ramos has been an influential voice in the dressing room alongside Casillas and Ronaldo ever since Mourinho was on the bench, but now his leadership will become more visible.


And, with the armband in his possession, Sergio Ramos is now setting out on a pre-season that will prove decisive for his future. Negotiations over his contract extension seem to have reached a stalemate. Manchester United have come up with an offer that is impossible to match: €11 million per season.

As things stand, Ramos has not received any word from the president and remains intent on leaving. It is not a question of money but of respect. His relationship with Florentino Pérez has hit a wall, although it seems they will have to call a ceasefire in the interests of both parties.

Benítez needs to act as mediator in the Ramos-Florentino conflict, as well as having the job of convincing his captain not to jump ship. The Real Madrid armband, with the Casillas era now at an end, needs a legendary successor and nobody fits the bill better than the hero of 'La Decima'.