Sergio Ramos doesn't want FIFA Club World Cup meeting with old club Real Madrid

The FIFA Club World Cup is packed full of some of the game's most decorated names, and they don't come more decorated than the man who will lead Monterrey out in their opening game, Sergio Ramos. 

The Spanish legend joined the club in February and will add his experience to the Mexican outfit as they begin their campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday evening in Group E. 

The tournament presents the tasty prospect of Ramos coming up against his former side, Real Madrid, a team he played for over 650 times during a trophy-laden spell at the club. 

However, speaking to reporters ahead of his side's opener in Pasadena, the 39-year-old claimed he'd rather not come face-to-face with his old club and declared them as clear favourites. 

He said, "Facing off against your old teammates is always nice, but if we won't meet, that would be a lot better - and both them and us can avoid that discomfort.

"Real Madrid are always favourites in the big competitions.

"Real Madrid are the best in the world, for the level the club and players have, for the mentality that's been sewn in there for so many years."

Madrid begins their tournament on Thursday when Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first game as boss of the club as they open against Saudi side Al Hilal. 



Ramos is intrigued by Alonso's appointment and believes his lineage at the club will only help him now that he is the man in charge. 

"Xabi's arrival will be interesting, he won it all as a player, and he knows how the club works," added Ramos.

"That could help him a lot in this new era" 

 

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