Real Madrid News

The Real Madrid defender believes la Roja were bound to lose a big game at some point as no team can keep on winning

Sergio Ramos feels it was only a matter of time before Spain would be beaten at a major tournament following their 3-0 loss against Brazil in Sunday’s Confederations Cup final.

Vicente del Bosque’s men had dominated international football in recent years as they won back-to-back European titles as well as the 2010 World Cup, but their trophy haul came to an abrupt end at the Maracana on Sunday.

“We have gained a lot of important achievements and one day, the moment has to arrive when you don’t win. We aren’t robots. Our conscience is clear because we gave the best we had,” the defender told AS.

“Sometimes things just don’t turn out for you and that is what happened to us right from the first minute. They got an early goal and then withdrew.

“We must congratulate Brazil because they showed that they know how to play against Spain.”

Spain had to settle for third spot the last time they featured at the Confederations Cup in 2009.

The defender hopes that the Portuguese extends his deal with Real Madrid and lavished praise on the achievements of new Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti

Sergio Ramos believes that Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo was the best player in the world last season and is hopeful that the forward renews his contract this summer.

The Portugal international scored 34 goals in 34 league games for the Blancos during the 2012-13 campaign but it was not enough to prevent Barcelona taking the Liga trophy from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Club president Florentino Perez has repeatedly stated his desire to secure an extended deal for the attacker, 28, and Ramos is hopeful that Ronaldo stays at the capital-based side for the long-term future.

“He is a player that you can not blame anything on – he is an example of professionalism,” the defender told El Mundo.

“Last season, for me, he was the best in the world. He deserves to win whatever he wants to win, really. I hope the club director is trying to renew his deal to keep him in Madrid.”

Ramos will be playing under a new coach next season, with Carlo Ancelotti having replaced Jose Mourinho in the Bernabeu hotseat, and the Spain international lavished praise on the former Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss.

“His CV speaks for itself – it is flawless, because he has won everything with the best clubs in the world,” the 27-year-old added.

“There are team mates of mine who have had him as a coach and speak very highly of him on a personal level, not just on sporting grounds. Hopefully we can learn a lot from him during the time he is with us.”

Ramos is one of six players up for the Golden Ball for his top performances at the Confederations Cup in June.

The Argentine has confessed that he is not a massive fan of the Real Madrid ace, while also claiming his infamous touchline row with Roberto Mancini was not his fault

Carlos Tevez has revealed there would be no room for Cristiano Ronaldo in his fantasy forward line, claiming Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are both superior players to the Portuguese.

The Argentine, who has just swapped Manchester City for Juventus, insists his former Manchester United colleague lacks the ability to take the breath away.

Indeed, when asked in an interview with Tuttosport what his dream attacking triumvirate would be, Tevez replied: “My ideal trident would be me with Rooney and Messi. They are the players who make me dream – not Ronaldo.”

Meanwhile, Tevez was at pains to reassure Juventus fans he is no longer a troublemaker, and insisted his infamous touchline bust-up with former boss Roberto Mancini during a Champions League game at Bayern Munich was not his fault.

“On television, it seemed worse than it was,” the attacker explained. “When the coach decided to remove [Edin] Dzeko and put on a defender I went back to the bench disappointed.

“But the one who was really angry was Dzeko, who started to insult Mancini in Bosnian, with Mancini answering him in Italian – it was a surreal scene.

“I was fine talking with [Pablo] Zabaleta but when Mancini turned, he saw me sitting down and was furious, but only because he was furious after the row with Dzeko.

“At the beginning of my career in England, I was a hothead. If the coach replaced me, I cursed and insulted him. Now I’m not like this; I have learned how to behave.”

The 29-year-old Tevez will wear the No.10 jersey for the Bianconeri next season.

The former Ukraine international feels the 28-year-old would be making a huge mistake if he decided to leave the Spanish capital, particularly with Carlo Ancelotti now in charge

Andriy Shevchenko has advised Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Real Madrid, arguing that playing for the Blancos is the pinnacle of any professional player’s career.

It has been reported the Portugal international is considering a return to Manchester United, but Shevchenko believes the 28-year-old attacker would be foolish to quit Madrid.

“I do not know why Cristiano would want to go,” the former AC Milan striker told AS. “When you’re in Madrid, you must stay in Madrid.

“We would all like to have played there. I do not think you can go much further in your career.”

Shevchenko says Ronaldo would be better to remain at the Bernabeu in order to have the opportunity to work with Madrid’s new boss, Carlo Ancelotti, whom the former Ukraine forward played under during his time at San Siro.

“I’m sure Ancelotti will be a friend to all, not just Cristiano Ronaldo, and open doors for everyone in that dressing room,” he added.

“He will shake up Real, but in a good way, like a breath of fresh air. I am sure he will want to convince Cristiano to stay and be the best.

“I do not think there are too many teams as suitable for Carlo’s type and style of play as Real Madrid. It’s good for both parties. They are made for each other.”

Ancelotti has arrived at Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, whom he last season led to a first Ligue 1 success since 1994.

The Real Madrid defender respects la Roja but he firmly believes that the Selecao can upset the reigning world and European champions at the Maracana

Marcelo is in absolutely no doubt that Brazil have what it takes to overcome Spain in Sunday’s Confederations Cup final, claiming the possibility of defeat has not even crossed his mind.

The Real Madrid full-back has nothing but admiration for la Roja, but he has the utmost faith in his team-mates and their ability to beat the reigning world and European champions.

“The idea of losing this doesn’t even enter my head,” Marcelo is quoted as saying by AS. “We know that we must respect Spain but we have the same chance of winning the final as they do.

“Just because they are the world champions doesn’t mean that we have to think it impossible for us to win the cup. We have to give credit to Brazil’s national team.

“We have to put Brazil’s national side where it deserves to be. This trophy is important for us and will help us move up the world ranking.

“We’re on the right track and God willing, we’ll win it.”

The game at the Maracana is scheduled to kick off at 00:00CET.