Ronaldo, Ramos and Marcelo created Real Madrid's winning mentality, says Varane

Raphael Varane says the atmosphere Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo created in the Real Madrid dressing room has been key to their success.

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The Spanish side won the Champions League for the second time in a row and third in four years when they beat Juventus 4-1 in the final earlier this month, having already wrapped up the Liga title.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the main hero for Madrid up front, while Sergio Ramos has been a decisive figure in defence and Marcelo has enhanced his stature even further at left-back.

The trio have been pivotal off the field too, according to Varane, generating a winning mentality among the team to add to the calmness coach Zinedine Zidane brings.

"Those who have created a relaxed and winning atmosphere have been Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos and Marcelo," Varane told France Football.

"Zidane's success comes from transmitting calm and never changing that no matter what is happening.

"That serenity and tranquility conveys confidence and security. He talks little but when he does, it matters.

"I like how he acts very discreetly at important moments, it's very different to Jose Mourinho.

"There is a real harmony. Sometimes, in the locker room, it's like we're dealing with a team-mate. He is really comfortable with us, but he keeps a distance when it is necessary. 

"Even though he's so close, I have never seen anyone in the locker room disrespect him."

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The 24-year-old feels he is well ahead of schedule, having lifted another European title but is targeting more trophies.

"There are footballers like Gianluigi Buffon, Maradona, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo who have not won it," he added. "I could have never imagined that I would achieve that, and I still have time to go.

"I am no longer a child. Now I am a footballer at the early part of his career who has won almost everything and wants to keep increasing his record."