Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has put Sergio Ramos on par with Cristiano Ronaldo for his importance to Los Blancos.
Guti has been interviewed AS ahead of a veterans match at Santiago Bernabeu that will pit the Madrid old boys against their Inter counterparts.
Speaking about the present day Madrid side, Guti backed Ramos to rival Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or – if he has a good World Cup.
“He could do. He has been important and it’s not easy scoring so many goals as a centre-back,” Guti said.
“Right now he and Cristiano are the basis of Madrid.
“[Iker] Casillas has had a lot of good times. Now he doesn’t play as often as before but for me he is still the best in the world.
“I hope he stays for a while longer. And I hope he continues enjoying his football, with Madrid or any other team. It’s what he deserves.”
Guti was present to see Madrid beat Atletico Madrid and claim the Champions League, La Decima, and says it was a whole new experience.
“I lived it as a player and as a fan,” Guti continued. “In Lisbon I saw what it meant to the fans.
“I’m happy for Ramos. He deserved it and deserves to be remembered for it.”
Guti is now preparing for life after playing by taking his coaching badges. He was questioned as to whether he would like to Coach his old club one day, and what he sees former teammate Raul doing in future.
“I don’t know. Raul will go where he wants. He’s an institution in Madrid,” he said of the former captain.
“He’s still playing but when that ends he will be linked to Madrid.
“I’d be proud to be at his side but life takes many turns and you never know where you’ll be.
“My goal is to be a good Coach and be nice to the players. Talking about the Madrid bench seems like a joke.
“I still haven’t finished my training or Coached a team.”