Sergio Ramos: Manchester United tried to sign me last summer

The defender was heavily linked with United before the start of the season, amidst a reported contract stand-off with Madrid, but he eventually put pen to paper on a five-year deal and is now setting his sights on retiring at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“There was a firm offer [from United] on paper,” the centre-back told El Partido de las 12 on Cadena COPE.

“For a moment, I thought about a change of scenery, but my priority was always to stay at Real Madrid. I was disappointed [with Madrid] but not because of economic problems as people said.

“For as long as my fans and club want me, my first thought is to retire here. Winning the Champions League would cap a great year. We’ve done very well in the competition, except for the first leg against Wolfsburg. Hopefully we can reach the final and win it.

“It’s not good whenever Real Madrid go without winning a trophy. Calling it a failure is understandable, but I wouldn’t use that word if we did things right and fought for trophies to the end [without winning them].

“[Florentino Perez] is the best President. To me, he’s like a father.

“I consider myself a hungry wolf. Performances may be intermittent, but whenever you leave your soul [on the pitch] and show a good attitude, people can’t blame you for anything. This has been one of my worst seasons in that sense [referring to injuries], but it’s not an excuse.

The 30-year-old also reserved some praise for long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who moved to Porto last summer, and insisted that Manchester United No 1 David de Gea would not be out of place at the Benabeu. "Everyone at Real Madrid misses Iker [Casillas]. I miss him as a friend and also as a team-mate. He was an institution. [On David de Gea], this club only settle for the best, and he’s one of the best.”

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