Sergio Ramos insists he did not say Cristiano Ronaldo did not have to run as he clarifies “there’s a very good atmosphere” among the Real Madrid players.
Mundo Deportivo suggested the Madrid squad turned on Ronaldo and his refusal to work off the ball after Wednesday’s 3-3 draw with Las Palmas, prompting Ramos to stick up for the Portuguese.
“I didn’t say that Cristiano didn’t have to run, that’s false,” the centre-back said in the wake of Los Blancos’ 4-1 victory over Eibar on Saturday.
“When things don’t go well, we all get together. When there are problems, they are confronted so they don’t hurt us.
“I almost always speak in these meetings, but so do other colleagues. I understand that newspapers have to be sold, but credibility has to be above everything.
“There’s a very good atmosphere in the dressing room. Throughout my career, I’ve lived through worse situations and we’ve continued to insist on our objectives.
“Now we’re top with a game in hand and in a very good position. We have a great group of young and experienced players, who are fighting for the same objectives.
“Marcelo’s rant after Las Palmas? I don’t remember one day when I haven’t stopped to talk after a game. We always talk, Marcelo and I, but we rotated on that occasion.
“I don’t have any problems talking to you [reporters] because I think it’s included in my salary!”
