Mallorca defender Ramis: I rejected Real Madrid

Real Mallorca defender Ivan Ramis has revealed coach Luis Aragonese convinced him to turn down a move to Real Madrid three years ago.

Ramis is developing into one the La Liga's most accomplished centre-halfs, having only taken up football at 15 years of age. The defender was set for a career in athletics before he was spotted by Aragones and signed to a pro contract.

"Luis made me change my mind on Real Madrid's offer," said Ramis yesterday. "He was determined to keep me."

"Aragonese said to me that it would be better to continue on the island with a club like Mallorca. Everything happened so quickly for me when I was a teenager, principally my idea was to become an athlete."

Ramis has a year left on his current deal and Mallorca will opens talks about a new contract at the end of this season.