Sergio Ramos made a very public gesture to cool talk of tension between himself and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Amid rumours of Ramos being pushed out of Real after a clash with Perez, the defender presented the president with his shirt after victory over Real Valladolid.
"It's for everything that's been said, I've always had a wonderful relationship with the president. I've had difference with the president the same way I do with my father or someone in my family. It's not an economic issue or anything to do with the contract renewal like people have said.
"They're differences that are kept between the two of us. I wanted to give him this gesture. One doesn't forget who brought him to Real Madrid. I'm used to things being said but there's constructive and destructive criticism. The destructive kind can be self-serving. And I just think about football, in the day-to-day and in getting better and reaching my level.
"I have a contract for three years and I'm not thinking about leaving. I'm with the best club in the world, I feel privileged to be here and I'd retire here if it were up to me. I'd sign up for it tomorrow if I could."
Ramos gave Perez his shirt immediately after the game.
"The president usually comes down to the dressing room. Perhaps it surprised him but that's positive for me, for him and for everyone. What I said is between the president and I, it's personal. I think this affection and respect is mutual and there's never been an insult or any disrespect."
