Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists Sergio Ramos will eventually return to the club.

Ramos' protracted exit from Los Merengues was a long-standing source of frustration for supporters, especially those who felt he should have retired with the club he has captained so well, yet Perez believes every effort was made to re-sign the defender.

"I love Ramos like a son, I brought him here in 2005 and I've never before been to a press conference with a player," Perez said.

"I have such admiration for him, he has been a legend and we wanted him to stay, we offered him a contract, he had a deadline but didn't make it clear.

"This is his home and he will return for sure in another role."