Ramos: Ronaldo Departure Won’t Stop Real Madrid From Winning Trophies

Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid for Juventus will not stop the La Liga giants from winning, according to club captain Sergio Ramos.

Ronaldo joined Juve in a deal worth €112 million (£100m/$128m) to end a nine-year spell at Madrid that concluded with a trio of consecutive Champions League titles.

Madrid are yet to bring in a Ronaldo replacement, with new coach Julen Lopetegui indicating he sees Gareth Bale playing a more important role.

Ronaldo raised eyebrows in Spain when he referred to Juve feeling like a “family” after the Portugal captain scored on his first appearance in a game against the club’s youth team.

But Ramos is bullish about Madrid’s chances of maintaining their European dominance – starting against Atletico Madrid in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup – despite Ronaldo leaving.

“You had to dig a little deeper. Here we have always felt a family,” Ramos told a news conference ahead of the clash.

“The key to success has been that we have always been [a family], and we have felt part of that family. The loss of such an important player is negative, but that is not why we are going to stop winning.

“Throughout history we have gone through cracks and have continued to win. We will have to leave this to us and Real Madrid will carry on, no matter what happens Madrid will not stop winning.

“He has decided to change stage and hopefully he will do well.”