Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez yesterday hailed his superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo as the best in the world as he played down reports of tension between the pair. Real Madrid take on English Premier League heavyweights Manchester City in the final match of the International Champions Cup in Melbourne today, however Spanish reports say the atmosphere has become testy on the training pitch during the club's pre-season tour of Australia. But Benitez, who took over from Carlo Ancelotti in June, suggested he had no problems with Ronaldo. "Luckily, I have had the opportunity this week to spend quite a few days with him," Benitez told reporters. "And I can say that he's competitive, he likes to win, and for that reason he is the best in the world.
"I would like all players to have that desire to win and to compete. You've all seen him train today and I think his performance will be up to scratch.
"I talk to all the players a lot. I have had the opportunity to talk to him, too. We talked about football and yes, he is competitive. Seeing Ronaldo up close training, I can see that he's doing very well."
Also, Benitez says defender Sergio Ramos will "100 percent" stay with the Spanish club and not make a move to Manchester United. Spanish media have linked the 29-year-old Spaniard with a possible shift to the English Premier League team.
"Yes, for me, 100 percent (he is staying)," Benitez said. "Ramos is our player, he's a key player for us, he's the captain ... he will be crucial for us during the season. I insist that it is clear for both me and the club that Sergio will be here."
Ramos, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, is Real Madrid's longest-serving player and has been handed the captaincy following the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
