Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has admitted that he gave Sergio Ramos the chance to sign a new contract but was forced to withdraw from the talks after he did not receive an answer.
Ramos controversially left Real this summer after 16 years at the club, after pushing for a two-year contract that did not come.
Real wanted Ramos to stay but was only prepared to offer him a one-year contract, which Ramos revealed that he eventually tried to accept but was told that he had taken too long and the offer had been withdrawn.
Perez was pressured into the matter during a new interview with Onda Cero’s El Transistor, and although he did his best to avoid talking about it, he admitted that he tried to keep Ramos but had no choice but to move on.
“I had a tough time at Sergio Ramos’ farewell [event]. I love Sergio Ramos as a son, “Perez admitted. I was not with him [farewell] press conference because I have never been to a press conference with any player.
Perez was emotional when Ramos left / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
“I have an adoration for Sergio Ramos, and I’m not going to talk about the competition. He’s a Real Madrid legend and that’s what we Real Madrid fans are left with.
“We offered him a contract, we gave him a deadline and he did not accept it. He thought about other things and life goes on. He will do very well for sure, and this is his home. I would be happy for Sergio Ramos went to a club that offered him what we have not been able to offer him. “
Perez also admitted that he has not read Zinedine Zidane’s open letter to fans explaining his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu and admits he does not want to hear how frustrated the former boss was.
“I knew Zidane’s leaving was an opportunity because it had been a tough year,” he said. “I spent a whole afternoon convincing him to stay, but when Zidane wants to go, he has already left.
Zidane also left Real / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce / Getty Images
“They have told me that the letter is not good, I do not want to read it. The person who wrote the letter has said that it was not Zidane. I have known him since 2001 and I wish him the best. I am sure he will to become France coach.
“If you ask me if Zidane can become Real Madrid boss again, I would say yes.”
For more from Tom Gott, follow him on Twitter!
