Sergio Ramos to Manchester United: Rafa Benitez 'fought more than anyone' to keep defender at Real Madrid

Ramos appeared close to a Real madrid exit in the summer only to perform a U-turn and sign a new contract extension

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has claimed that he “fought more than anyone” to prevent captain Sergio Ramos leaving in the summer in a move to Manchester United.

Ramos appeared to be on his way out of Real after Benitez took charge at the club, with United identifying his unhappiness over delayed contract walks as a chance to try and lure him to the Premier League.

At one point in the summer Ramos looked a near certainty to be on the move, but United were keen to remain wary of making a full blown move for the Spain international amid a fear that he could be using their interest to generate an improved contract offer from Real.

That proved to be the case as Ramos went on to sign a long-term contract to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu much to the anger of officials at Old Trafford, and it ultimately led to a stand-off over the David De Gea transfer.

Having taken on the armband this season following the departure of Iker Casillas, Ramos has the bulk of the La Liga season so far after suffering a dislocated shoulder in September. Without Ramos, Real have made a solid start to the season that sees them a point behind leaders Barcelona after nine games, and Benitez has spoken out to dismiss the idea that he wanted rid of the centre-back by claiming he was behind the attempts to keep him at the club at all costs.

"I fought more than anyone for Ramos to stay,” Benitez told Onda Cero radio. “There are absolutely no problems between us. He's our captain, an outstanding footballer and he has to keep showing that".

With Ramos coming through his return from injury in the Madrid derby against Atletico at the start of this month, Benitez looks set to call on his skipper to lead the side against Levante this weekend as domestic football resumes after the international break.