Sergio Ramos retiring at Real Madrid is the logical outcome to his career, according to the club's former midfielder Fernando Redondo.
Redondo, a two-time Champions League winner at the Santiago Bernabeu, believes the Madrid captain still has plenty of football left in his career despite turning 34 last month.
Ramos' current contract expires in 2021 but Redondo would like to see the club icon, who has won four LaLiga titles and the same number of continental crowns, remain tied to Madrid.
"Sergio has a lot of football ahead of him," he said of Ramos in an interview with AS.
"He is physically gifted and he has professionalism too. He'll be the one who decides when to end his career.
"Logically, he has to be at Madrid and he has to remain linked to the club for everything he represents."
Redondo offered words of support for head coach Zinedine Zidane, amid speculation he will find his position under pressure if Madrid end the 2019-20 season without a trophy once it resumes.
"It's notable how Zidane has returned and shown his growth as a manager," said Redondo.
"Anyone who was at Madrid, who wore the jersey, we know about the criticism and the demands that you are subjected to."
Redondo also discussed Madrid's midfield options, praising the emergence of Federico Valverde and the continued progress of Casemiro, who has started 25 of the club's 27 league games.
"Really important for the team," Redondo said of Valverde. "He's really young, he is really dynamic and in this short time, he has shown his personality.
"Casemiro is young and he is physically powerful."
Asked if Madrid should consider signing another midfielder to help Zidane rotate Casemiro and ease the burden on the Brazil international, Redondo felt it was not always a worthwhile step.
He added: "In my case, the more I played, the better I felt.
"It's something for the manager to consider and evaluate with the calendar and the scheduling of the competitions along with how the player is feeling."
Cuebdrtz
0
Interviewing Redondo and the like is very interesting. We want to hear something from their experience
I love you Ramos
Cuebdrtz
0
I love you Ramos
Xtrazeal
0
Ramos is like RONALDO...they will play till 45yrs
FlynnTalat
1
Common guys there was a farewell for casillas if you doubt it just go and check it in YouTube
that's not what That legend want farewell with mere conference haa.....
Budacimnst
1
CR7 is the goat
Josephsteve
0
But first teach RM about players loyalty for such a great players ..... just look what they did to Iker Casillas
Common guys there was a farewell for casillas if you doubt it just go and check it in YouTube
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
2
Best defender of all time
MwapeM01
3
A true and future nominee of the Galactico Hall Of Fame, he has earned the right to retire at Madrid, lets go Ramosππππππ₯π₯πππππ.
ramo7k4
0
But first teach RM about players loyalty for such a great players ..... just look what they did to Iker Casillas
that isn't a thing. they have policy that get rid of every player that over 33 or 34. I don't think they mean to disrespect.
Ceccelrstu
0
Interviewing Redondo and the like is very interesting. We want to hear something from their experience
Juolnruy
1
Ramos is a good football and a good player πππππππππππππππππππ
FlynnTalat
1
But first teach RM about players loyalty for such a great players ..... just look what they did to Iker Casillas
Cuwbcilpy
0
how many kids have taught your dribbling skills, Redondo
Portoguese
2
I wonder if Madrid thinks the same
Abdullahkabir
1
hes not gonna leave madrid in d first place