In his time with Madrid, he lifted five league titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and also a series of UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Supercopa de Espana titles. However, all things come to an end and, failing to reach an agreement, Ramos is now a free agent.
The Spanish legend spoke at his farewell press conference. In his typical manner, though, Ramos was happy to suggest that his exit was not entirely his own doing. Intimating that he wanted to stay, he 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. 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."
When asked what he meant regarding the contract, Ramos added: “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."
What does the future hold for Sergio Ramos?
A player with a keen eye for leaving a lasting legacy, Ramos was asked how he thought he would be perceived by others. He continued in his press conference, saying: "I'm one of those people who likes to be defined by others. 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."
When asked on what he thinks could happen next in terms of a career move, Ramos was clear that nothing was lined up. However, he did make one thing clear – we should not expect to see him in the blue and red of Barcelona. He did, though, open the door to an emotional and sensational return to Sevilla, saying: "Sevilla is the other club in my heart where I had a great time but at the moment there is nothing on the table about going back. As for Barcelona... impossible. You will never see Sergio Ramos in a Barcelona shirt."
Given how he left the club, it would be interesting to see how the typically hot-headed Andalusian fanbase would take to one of their own returning after so many years of controversy.
.png)
.png)
