Sergio Ramos pushed Perez to appoint Zidane instead of Mourinho, claims former president

What's the story?

Former Real Madrid president Roman Calderon has claimed that club captain Sergio Ramos pushed for Florentino Perez to re-appoint Zinedine Zidane as manager instead of Jose Mourinho.

In case you didn't know...

Real Madrid re-appointed former boss Zidane earlier this week, following their consecutive defeats under Santiago Solari last week. The Argentine was sacked after the club crashed out of two competitions - the Copa del Rey and the Champions League - in the span of one week.

Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Manchester United in December, was initially pegged to be Solari's successor but all rumors came to an end with the appointment of three-time Champions League-winning boss Zidane.

The heart of the matter

Calderon has now claimed that Ramos made sure Mourinho would not return to the Santiago Bernabeu by telling Perez that he should sign Zidane instead.

Speaking to Love Sport Radio, the former Blancos president said:

"It is great news for Real Madrid. The opinion of the dressing room leaders has prevailed over that of the president, after the quarrel between Sergio Ramos and the president."

"This president thought Mourinho was the right one and he was his first option because he is one of those presidents that thinks a firm hand is important in the dressing room."

"But the players, and Sergio Ramos, told him and they did it publicly as well, that you have to take into account which managers have won the Premier League with Real Madrid: Del Bosque, Ancelotti and Zidane. It’s nothing to do with the style of play of Mourinho."

"His [Zidane's] first idea was to come in June but finally he’s accepted to come now for the rest of the season and for three more years. Finally we can get on the path of victory again."

What's next?

Fans will witness Zidane's first game as Real Madrid boss this season when they face Celta Vigo in La Liga later tonight.