JOSE MOURINHO has backed Sergio Ramos to be a huge success in the Premier League – but believes only a ‘top club’ can afford him.
The defender will leave the Bernabeu for good at the end of this month after 16 years of service once his £412k-a-week deal expires.
Ramos, 35, has not yet revealed his next destination.
But he has poured cold water on potential transfers within LaLiga to rivals Barcelona or Sevilla.
As well as the LaLiga giants, Ramos has also been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Manchester United and neighbours Man City are both long-term admirers.
And his former Madrid boss Mourinho has backed him to succeed in England if one of the big boys can afford him.
Speaking to Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist on Friday’s talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: “He’s the kind of player that you expect to finish his career at Real Madrid.
“It is quite surprising that it didn’t happen.
“In spite of his injuries this season that kept him out for a couple of months and even the decision of Luis Enrique to leave him out of the Euros, that doesn’t hide the fact he is still a very good player, capable of performing for a couple more seasons at a very good level.
⚽ ENGLAND vs SCOTLAND BETTING SPECIAL ⚽
“I can imagine we will see him playing in a very good club.
“Only a top club will be in a condition to fulfil his financial demands.”
Mourinho added: “Look to Thiago Silva – he is in a similar situation.
“He came to Chelsea, didn’t play every match, had a couple of little muscular issues, but in big matches he gave great stability and you can imagine how much he helped the team to develop, the young players, the leadership.
“Ramos is in a similar situation. He is even more physical than Thiago to compete with the Premier League demands.
“I have no doubt he can play with intensity and the demands of the Premier League. No doubts.”
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
