Ramos: Bale would suit us

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes Gareth Bale is "in the right mould" to be a star player at the Bernabeu should he ever sign for the Spanish giants.



There has been considerable speculation about the future of the Wales international after Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League, with Madrid the most likely destination.



Quoted in The Sun, Ramos said:

"Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid.



"I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that want to sign him - but he is the right mould for us."



"We fought hard this season, the team and the manager have been great," he said.



"We have got the record points for the club in the Premier League.



"That would normally be enough to qualify for the Champions League, but it's not meant to be again.



"It's disappointing, but we will pick ourselves up again.



"We will just have to regroup this season and give it another go."

Bale rounded off a remarkable year on Sunday by scoring his 26th goal of the season, but his wonder winner against Sunderland was not enough to earn the club Champions League qualification.



The club are understandably keen to hold on to their star man and manager Andre Villas-Boas recently called on the forward to end speculation about his future by signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.



For now, the signs look promising for Tottenham fans. From his comments in the immediate aftermath of the victory over Sunderland, he seemed in no mood to abandon ship and head to Madrid.

Ramos: The key to our success is unity

Real Madrid centre-back, Sergio Ramos is confident in his side’s chances in their crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against France on Tuesday evening in Saint-Dennis, as he feels their unity is what makes them such a successful team.

In his pre-match press conference, Ramos spoke about their approach to Tuesday’s match and will not allow Friday’s 1-1 draw against Finland dictate their performance.



“We’ll have to wait to see who’s in France’s starting team. What’s taken us to success is our philosophy, and we can’t change that.



“We’re a great national team; we’ve proved it in El Calderón. We don’t need to change.



“The Spanish national team has many alternatives and they shouldn’t be noticeable. The other day, against Finland, we didn’t know how to finish it off. It doesn’t motivate us more. We always want to win, we would have like to add a victory, of course, but we’re professionals, we move on from the bad things and we always keep in mind that we want to win and that we want to transmit that feeling.”



“The defence or any other position does not affect anything. The key to our success is unity and group strength.



“Football doesn’t have a memory, you need to prove who you are on a daily basis, what happened yesterday is of no use. No one is going to change that we’ve won two European Cups and a World Cup, no one has ever done that, you don’t beat anyone because of a coat of arms, you win because of the excitement, and we’re on the ideal track.”



Ramos, who will earn his 101st cap against France, has insight into opponent, Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema.



“Knowing Benzema so well might benefit us in this game, undoubtedly he’s a great football player, and you can’t get distracted for a minute because he might score a goal.”



Ramos concluded by discussing the return of Xavi and the absense of captain and Real Madrid teammate, Iker Casillas.



“The captain’s words show values that Xavi and Iker represent. Xavi has made a huge effort to be here and Iker has travelled here. No one doubts that he’ll return soon.”