Sergio Ramos is clearly unhappy with Real Madrid over the club's failure to extend his contract, former club president Ramon Calderon has told talkSPORT.
Madrid-based newspaper AS recently reported that Ramos -- a reported target for Manchester United -- wants to leave the Bernabeu, while Marca's front page on Wednesday morning featured the Spain defender alongside the headline "Drums of War" and claimed he is "monumentally angry."
#LaPortada 'Tambores de guerra' pic.twitter.com/P2WlZL7mjE
- MARCA (@marca) June 23, 2015
The 29-year-old, whose current contract runs until 2017, has been very public in his backing for former coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked at the end of the season, as well as reportedly privately backing club captain Iker Casillas, who could leave this summer as Madrid seek a deal for United keeper David De Gea.
Calderon said current club president Florentino Perez appeared to be punishing Ramos for speaking out by refusing to hand him an improved contract.
"It is clear that he is unhappy because the president has refused to extend his contract, with the salary," Calderon, who served as Madrid president between 2006 and 2009, said.
"I find it like a punishment because he supported publicly, very clearly, Carlo Ancelotti, he said it was a mistake to sack him, and also he is backing Iker Casillas in the unfair situation he is living.
"Let us see what happens in the next few weeks. It is going to be very exciting to know what is happening. If Sergio goes to Man United, they will be very lucky."
AS had also reported that Ramos was unhappy that Madrid had refused to respond publicly when Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Majo said he had been offered the defender as a "secret weapon" in the upcoming election at the Camp Nou.
However, The Sun reported earlier this week that United were wary that they were being used as a pawn for Ramos to secure a better contract at the Bernabeu, and Calderon acknowledged that a deal appeared unlikely.
"We've known that Manchester United is willing to offer 30 million plus De Gea, but I find difficult that Sergio leaves Real Madrid," he said, highlighting the fact the player has two years left on his deal and a €180m buyout clause.
He added: "Sergio Ramos is an icon for the fans of Real Madrid. He is leader on and off the field. I don't know if he is the best centre-back in the world but no doubt he is one of the best.
"He can play as a right-back, a midfielder and also few people know that he was a striker at the beginning of his career. He is also a very strong character."