Real Madrid War of words via the media

There is tension between the two most senior players at Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos continue to take their disagreements to the airwaves.

With results not coming out perfectly for Los Merengues in the early stages of the season, both have faced many questions as to why all is not well and it is reported that the Portuguese winger's assessments have sparked a war of words.

Following Real's loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, Ronaldo made a rare statement in the mixed zone to attribute the club's downturn to a loss of experienced players over the summer; namely James Rodriguez, Pepe and Alvaro Morata.

While this point of view was mulled over by fans and commentators, Ramos' opinion was a clear rebuttal and El Chiringuito claim that the defender was considerably irked by his colleague.

Stating that Madrid won two Super Cup competitions at the start of the season without any supposed lack of experience affecting their performances, the club captain added to the tension in their relationship that has not healed in the proceeding weeks.

Over the summer, a notable shift has taken place in the Real dressing room as those departing were key allies of Ronaldo. Among those leaving included countrymen Pepe and Fabio Coentrao and good personal friend Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, Spanish centre-back Ramos has more credence with the increasingly youthful, native squad that Zinedine Zidane now has at his disposal; players such as Nacho, Dani Carvajal, Marco Asensio, Isco and Dani Ceballos would not dare say a word against the defender - an honour not bestowed upon Ronaldo.

Furthermore, recent comments by Ramos in the media are said to have been seen by the talismanic forward as rubbing salt in the wounds.

First it was the Andalusian's open courtship of Neymar to join Los Blancos, which would provide direct competition to Ronaldo, and most recently it was his shrug of the shoulders as he faced questions on his teammate's future.

"Cristiano is leaving? Ask him, I don't know about these things," Ramos remarked after Spain's draw with Russia, in a tone which has not gone unnoticed by the four-time Ballon d'Or winner as tensions rise in the capital.