Sergio Ramos leaves Real Madrid after 16 years of service, undecided on his future

 

Sergio Ramos after 16 years of association with Real Madrid bids the Spanish capital a final adieu. He revealed that he was ready to sign the 1-year contract that the club was previously offering him but the management said that he ran out of time.

The 36-year-old centre back wishes to continue his career and wants to play at the highest level. But he is yet to decide on a club where he will join next.

Speaking at his farewell press conference, Ramos said: “The first thing I want to say is that I never wanted to leave. I wanted to stay here. The club offered me the possibility of extending my contract, but because of Covid, it was put on the back burner.

“The club made me a one-year offer with a salary reduction. I have to say that there was no economic problem. I wanted two years and peace of mind for me and my family,” he added.

While he did admit that he wanted a two year contract because of himself and his family, he later was ready to accept the offer that the club wanted him to take. But sadly it had already expired which the defender knew nothing about.

“During the last talks, I accepted the one-year offer, but I was informed that it was no longer possible, that it had an expiration date and that I had not heard about it.”

After serving the club for so many years he was “The conditions have changed several times, on their part and on ours.

“It got to a point where we had to make a decision but they never told me that the offer had an expiry date. It’s understandable but it surprised me, that the offer had expired.”

The centre back leaves behind an incredible legacy at Real Madrid Ramos has won five La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, four Supercopas de Espana, four Champions Leagues, three UEFA Super Cups and four Club World Cups.

“I’m one of those people who likes to be defined by others,” Ramos added. “If I had to use one word it would be purity. I have given my soul for this club. That’s how I want to be remembered, as a person of integrity.”

Ramos gave no clues about his next destination but he said that he has had a few calls. “The important thing is not where you are, it’s with who. We haven’t thought at any time about any other club. Since January, when I’ve been on the market, we’ve had a few calls.”