Ramos: "I had a formal offer from United and I did consider it"

Can you see Cristiano making Tuesday's game against Manchester City?

I hope so, that's what every madridista is hoping for and of course what we, his team mates want as well. We know how important Cristiano is for the team and we hope he returns in good form after the shock he gave us in the last game. We hope it's nothing serious.

Has the shitting-yourself-o-meter gone into overdrive?

I'd like to clear that up because I think there's been some misunderstanding. The press published that I said: 'the shitting-youself-o-meter is back' but what I actually said was: 'Good shit-pants-o-meter'. It comes from the piggy-in-the-middle game we playin training and when a younger player plays a difficult ball for one of the older players, we say: 'Nearly shat yourself there, eh?' and that's what I said.

Who's going to win the league?

We'll see. I hope we do. Every game for us is like a final.

Ending the season trophyless would be a fiasco?

Depends on how you look at it. I always think that it's never good for Real Madrid to end without a trophy; I can understand why some would call it a fiasco but I wouldn't use that word myself. If we have done things well and competed right up until the end of the season then you can't really call that a fiasco.

Full screen

If Zidane had started the campaign, would Real Madrid be in a better position now?

Maybe, or maybe not but it's onvious that the affinity which Zidane has with the players is something which Benítez didn't have; Zizou has a good understanding with all of the players.

Did you set up Benítez to get the sack?

No. Personally, that's something I have never done.

Piqué overreated to Arbeloa's comments?

Maybe it wasn't the right way to go about things. There's no point in going over all of that, and a veteran player like Piqué should try and avoid all of that childish nonsense. A little bit of humour's fine, but not with disrespect.

Would you take part in Piqué's Periscope?

I don't know. I've always tried to keep my personal life private.

For you, who's the best centre-back in the world?

I have some very good company here at Madrid (Sanchís and Camacho). In the present game, I've always liked Thiago Silva, Piqué I have always considered among the best, my two team mates, Pepe who has a lot of experience and Varane who is developing at an amazing rate, and without getting too carried away about it, I've alaways though Godín is a very good centre-back.

Do you miss Casillas?

As a friend, yes; and of course as a team mate too. Iconic figures are always missed.

Would you sign De Gea?

Well... Taling about players who aren't here would be a lack of respect to Keylor, Kiko Casilla and Rubén, but as I have always said: only the best players should be here at Madrid and if the powers that be think that he should come... for me De Gea is one of the best.

'Conte's Chelsea are coming for Sergio Ramos' - will there be another soap opera this summer?

I haven't heard that one.

Did you receive an offer from Manchester United?

Yes.

A serious offer, on paper?

Yes, yes.

Did you consider leaving Real Madrid?

At one point I did think about making a change, but at the end of the day my priority has always been Real Madrid and I thought about a change for other reasons.

Did you feel you'd be tricked?

No, not tricked. Maybe a little disappointed during that time, but all of those problems were resolved and everyone's happy, but it wasn't an economic issue like some people made out.

Was minute 93:48 in Lisbon the best moment of your career?

Yes.

How many times have you watched it?

20,000

And how many times do you think you'll watch it again?

Another 20,000. I can't help but feel emotion when watching those images back. The feeling's like being drunk for a whole week.

Is Florentino the best president for Real Madrid?

Foe me, he is. I have a lot of affection for him. He's like a father figure to me.

Are you happy to see Barça struggling?

Of course, I'm happy because it benefits us, although I don't wish bad things on anyone.

Have you looked at the fixtures which remain 500 times?

To be absolutely honest, yes I have.

Are Madrid favourites to beat City?

No, for me it's 50-50.