Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos unsure of "punishment" by Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has attempted to dodge suggestions that he has fallen out with manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spain international was left out of the Champions League squad that defeated Manchester City 3-2 at the Bernabeu last week amid reports that he had been involved in a bust-up with the former Chelsea coach.

Despite these rumours, Ramos did return for Madrid's 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano last night.

"I don't know whether the decision to bench me against Manchester City was a punishment. These things are coaching matters," AS quotes Ramos as saying.

"I'm talking about Real Madrid and what's in my blood. I will not discuss things that happen within the club. I really want to keep helping the team and doing everything to play my part. Everyone likes to play and I'm happy to have come back to the team against Rayo."

The Spanish champions remain eight points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona.