Real Madrid won’t be the same without their talismanic leader Sergio Ramos says Toni Kroos

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos is yet to accept the fact that Spanish centre back and club captain Sergio Ramos is leaving Real Madrid after 16 years of association. Ramos is leaving the Spanish capital after a contract extension was not agreed between the two parties.

Kroos is shocked by the thought that Ramos won’t be retiring at Real Madrid after serving the club for so long. The Spaniard is now ready to take new challenges and the German midfielder admits that life at Real Madrid won’t be the same without Ramos.

Kroos told his Einfach mal Luppen podcast: “I do not know Real Madrid without Ramos. It was inconceivable that he was not going to finish his career at Madrid. I expected him to stay.

“He is not only a first-rate player, but also the best captain I have ever seen because he always fought for the team on and off the field.

“If you ask 100 rival forwards which defender they least liked playing against, Ramos’ name will be mentioned quite often. It was good to have him on our team.”

Even when it was announced that Ramos will leave the club, Kroos was quick to honour the Spaniard on Twitter. He believes Ramos to be the best defender at present. He may not be far off as Ramos has won several trophies with Los Blancos. Starting with five La Liga titles and four Champions League, he has been a sensation for La Roja as well guiding them to the 2010 World Cup and two Euros. Hence Real Madrid will have big boots to fill on defensive and leadership fronts.

However the German midfielder believes that Ramos will return to the club in future in a different role. He feels that Ramos can come up with huge contributions in any role he takes up later in his career.

Kroos added: “I am sure we will see him at Real Madrid again, whatever his role. It would also be negligent not to have someone like that at the club and keep him. He can still contribute a lot in the future.”

Several clubs from all across Europe and even some in China have shown interest in the experienced Spanish centre back. However, his high wages can be a concern for a few teams and hence things are stalled.