Fernando Redondo, who made 165 appearances for Real Madrid between 1994 and 2000, said that Spain international Sergio Ramos has become the 'reference point for this era'.
"Sergio Ramos has some magnificent qualities which have made him the reference point for this Real Madrid team and this era. He’s fantastic physically and technically, but also as a leader. That’s why we all see him as the focal point of the team," said Redondo.
Centre back Ramos has been rumoured for a move away from Real Madrid, with rumours linking the Spaniard to Manchester United.
However, according to Spanish news outlet Marca , Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane remains confident he can persuade Ramos to stay for the next season.
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Having played alongside the likes of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Fernando Hierro, and a few others, Redondo called the responsibility of leading the Spanish giants a big one.
"Being the Real Madrid captain is a big responsibility. I’d already been at the club a few years when I was given the armband and I knew what the fans and the club expected of me. It’s a 24 hour responsibility, both on and off the pitch," he added.
Real Madrid, which has won the Champions League 13 times, had a disappointing campaign in the European tournament this season, as it was knocked out in the round of 16 by Erik ten Hag's young, fiery Ajax team.
Despite clinching a 2-1 away victory in the first leg, Real Madrid was handed a 1-4 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, in what was a stunning comeback from the Ajax boys.
In LaLiga, Real Madrid finished third on the table, 19 points behind league winner and arch rival Barcelona, and nine points off second-placed Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
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The team regressed without former star Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Redondo was impressed with the presence of 18-year-old Vinicius Jr. at the club.
"I think the emergence of Vinicius Jr has been great for Real Madrid this season. Obviously, the club is in the process of adapting to the post-Ronaldo era. He’s a difference-maker, but he’s still very young.
He’ll continue to develop. We’ll see. But I think he’s got incredible potential and so much to contribute to the club."
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At Real Madrid, Redondo won two Champions League medals, in 1998 and 2000.
However, winning the domestic league in 1994-95 season remains his most cherished memory at the club.
"My biggest moment playing for Real Madrid was winning the first LaLiga title. I’d only just arrived, in 1994, and Barcelona had won it the four years before."
He added, "And also the seventh European Cup, which Real Madrid hadn’t won in 32 years."
'El Principe', as Redondo was known at Real Madrid, fondly recalled his playing years under coach Vicente del Bosque, who utilized him with Steve McManaman in the midfield.
"If I had to talk about people who were important to me during my LaLiga career, I’d single out Vicente del Bosque. We were together at Real Madrid. He was more than a coach for me. A very principled man.
As a person, he’d look after his players and team at all times. He’d always give good advice and transmit a feeling of calmness and fair play. These are values that LaLiga promotes."
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