The countdown to the Club World Cup final has begun and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has noted that he doesn't want his team to have to wait until the final moments to find a winner again.
Recently, Ramos has become the hero for Los Blancos with a game-saving equaliser at the Camp Nou, and a last minute winner at home to Deportivo La Coruna.
"I prefer that the team win before we reach those final minutes," Ramos said in his pre-match press conference.
"There have been circumstances where I have been important but Real Madrid would be calmer without needing that intervention."
Although some have derided the tournament, Ramos is in no doubt as to its prestige.
"Whenever there is a possible title to win, as a captain I want to pick it up," he continued.
"I have professional pride and it is a dream every time I imagine myself raising a trophy aloft."
Sidelined through injury all week, there are no issues with the player's participation in the final.
"I'm very well, have just completed a training session and I am at Zidane's disposal," he said.
Far from seeing Real as overwhelming favourites in the final, the defender believes Kashima Antlers will be a worthy opponent.
"They have eliminated the best team in South Africa and South America, and are the most powerful team in Japan," he concluded.