Sergio Ramos is 100% staying at Real Madrid, says Rafa Benitez

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is confident disgruntled defender Sergio Ramos will remain at the club past this summer.

It has been well-publicized that Ramos and club president Florentino Perez have had a major falling out concerning various personal and professional issues.

In June, it was reported that the Spain international told Real Madrid officials he wanted them to negotiate a transfer with Manchester United – and only United – because he felt his relationship with Perez had been fractured past the point of no return.

Since that time, United have reportedly had one bid rejected for the defender and are believed to be readying another bid in the coming days.

Earlier this week, United manager Louis van Gaal sent the press into a frenzy when he mentioned Ramos as a potential club transfer target.

SEE MORE — Sergio Ramos wants to join Manchester United this summer.

“I cannot talk about rumors,” Van Gaal said. “I have already said it’s a process and maybe Mr. Ramos is in the process – you never know.”

But earlier today, Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez said doesn’t want his team captain leave and is confident the club will not allow the defender to exit the Bernabeu this summer.

“He’s the captain and I’d like him to be with us at the beginning of the season because he’s a crucial, fundamental player,” Benitez said during his press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Manchester City in Melbourne.

“As a coach I want him to stay 100%, it’s extremely important for everyone.

“From my point of view, he’s 100% staying. It’s that clear to me, and I think to the club too. Sergio will remain our player and hopefully we’ll be able to talk about him scoring key goals like he’s done in the past.”

When asked about Louis van Gaal’s statement regarding Ramos, Benitez said: “I have a lot of respect for Van Gaal, but what concerns me is Sergio continuing here. I respect him, but Sergio is staying with us.”