Sergio Ramos has insisted he will not follow Spain team-mate Gerard Pique into international retirement after the 2018 World Cup.

The Real Madrid captain turns 31 this Thursday, but insists he still has “many years left” at the top.

Ramos is expected to feature in Spain’s friendly game against France in Paris on Tuesday, when he will win his 142nd cap.

His usual central defence partner, Pique, has however confirmed he will quit the national team after next year’s World Cup.

“I am in the middle of my career,” Ramos said at a media conference.

“I have many years left at a good level. Each season I reset myself to start from scratch, not settling for what I’ve already won.

“As long as I continue to want to win, both in the national team and in the club, I will continue playing. I hope it’s the longest possible time — I see it [retirement] far in the future.”