MADRID, May 17 -- Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos confirmed this Tuesday that he is close to agreeing a new contact with the club.
The 25 year-old, who joined Real Madrid for just under 30 million euros in 2005 has spent most of his time at the club playing at right back and in central defense and formed part of the Spanish national team that won the 2008 European Championships and also the 2010 World Cup.
Sports paper Diario AS announced Tuesday that Ramos, along with central defender Pepe, were both on the verge of agreeing new deals with Real Madrid with Ramos signing a six year contract and Pepe extending his stay at the club for a further four seasons.
Speaking Tuesday at the presentation of a benefit tournament, Ramos confirmed that in his case at least, the rumors were correct.
"The agreement has practically been reached and we will make it official when it has been signed," he said.
Ramos has made 258 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid after signing from Sevilla and is a key part of the squad.
The defender also reflected on the four classics played Real Madrid and FC Barcelona which ended with bad feeling between both clubs as Barcelona qualified for the final of the Champions League.
The matches were spoiled by some hard tackles and subterranean tactics from both sides, which had worried Spain national coach Vicente del Bosque, who will need players from both clubs to be at their best over the coming months.
Ramos insisted that when the players get together to represent their country, the bad feeling will be put to one side.
"It won't affect us, a lot of us have said that. I would be a huge error if we allow it to upset such a close knit group as we have with Spain. It is true that there is tension, but now we will have to look ahead to what is a common aim for all of us," said the defender.
As if to prove his goodwill, Ramos added that he agreed with UEFA's decision to allow Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets to play the Champions League final after overturning Madrid's accusations that he had racially insulted Madrid defender Marcelo.
"I am pleased for Busquets who is my companion from the national team," he commented.