Sergio Ramos: 'I never wanted to leave Real Madrid'

Sergio Ramos has insisted that he never had any intention of leaving Real Madrid after signing a new five-year contract with the club.

Manchester United had been linked with a move for the Spanish defender throughout the summer and were reported to have had at least one bid rejected by Real.

Despite contract negotiations being drawn out over the last couple of months, Ramos claims that he has always wanted to spend the rest of his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"My heart and my head has always been with Real Madrid," the 29-year-old told reporters after his new deal was confirmed on Monday morning.

"I've never been motivated by money, just happiness and my family. I've always wanted to retire here.

"If it was an economic decision, I wouldn't have stayed. There were personal differences we needed to sort."

Ramos has won 10 major trophies since joining Real from Sevilla in 2005.