Sergio Ramos reveals just how close he came playing for Manchester United

Sergio Ramos is what some people might call a 'bit of a boyo'.

Very talented, but a red mist often descends, and along with great skill, comes a capacity to do lots of stupid things. The Real Madrid defender has a terrible record of being caught out by referees, and has amassed an incredible 21 red cards during his time at the Bernabeu. Even with his idiocy, there isn't any team in the word who would not want him in their defence, as he is is actually quite good at stopping goals, when his head is screwed on. Manchester United were rumoured to have had a key interest in the player last summer, as his contract talks with the club look edto have stalled under the regime of Rafa Benitez. Speaking in Spain, the Real Madrid captain has confirmed he was close to a deal with Old Trafford, but changed his mind at the last minute.

"At one point I did think about making a change, but at the end of the day my priority has always been Real Madrid and I thought about a change for other reasons. "...but all of those problems were resolved and everyone's happy, but it wasn't an economic issue like some people made out."

The defender is preparing for the Champions League semi-finals this week as Madrid get ready to travel to England to face Manchester City at the Etihad. And in the course of the interview  he was also asked how he felt to be playing in a team that has Keylor Navas in goal, rather than David de Gea, whom the club made an utter balls of trying to sign last August. Ramos is clear that he still wants to see the Spanish international play at the Bernabeu. No offence, like.

"Talking about players who aren't here would be a lack of respect to Keylor, Kiko Casilla and Rubén, but as I have always said: only the best players should be here at Madrid and if the powers that be think that he should come... for me De Gea is one of the best."

Interesting, as ever, from the sometimes lucid Sergio.