Sergio Ramos has revealed that he has tried to remain at Real Madrid for at least one more season but he was not able to do so. He argued that it was not because of money he failed to extend his contract with the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid officially announced the exit of Sergio Ramos who spent 16 years of his football career at the Spanish giants. To honor his legacy at the club, Real Madrid arranged a world conference which took place on Thursday, June 17, 2021.
During the press conference, the Spain international wept while revealing the back and forth that happened between him and Real Madrid which did not lead him to extend his stay at the club.
Before now, there have been speculations that the president of the club, Florentino Perez wanted to get rid of the defender due to a power tussle that reportedly existed between both of them.
He however could not do it because of how important the defender was to the team. But the injuries that Ramos suffered in the 2020-2021 season which forced him to make just 21 appearances in all competitions, made it easier for the club’s president to force him out of the club.
Then, Reports in Spain revealed that Sergio Ramos wanted a two-year contract extension ahead of the expiration of his contract with the club on June 30, 2021. However, the club insisted that Ramos would only get a one-year deal plus a pay cut.
During Ramos’ farewell press conference, the 35-year-old defender confirmed that when the club insisted that they would offer him only a year deal and a pay cut, he had no choice but to tell them he was ready to accept it but they told him that the offer had expired.
💬 @SergioRamos: ''Cada minuto que he saltado al campo y me he puesto este escudo he sido yo, me he dejado el alma y la vida por esta entidad y así quiero que me recuerden.'' #GraciasSergio pic.twitter.com/0t0wduPzRy
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 17, 2021
Sergio 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.
“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…
“The conditions have changed several times, on their part and 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.”
Today, I say goodbye to my home, my supporters, my teammates, this shirt for which I have given everything and to which I have given my heart and soul. Today I say goodbye to @realmadriden.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) June 17, 2021
Sergio Ramos and his relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez
Before now, it has been reported severally that Sergio Ramos and Florentino Perez, the club’s president were not enjoying a good relationship. But Ramos told the press on Thursday that he and the club’s president enjoyed a father and son relationship.
“My relationship with the president has always been good,” he said. “Like a father and son in sporting terms. He is the one who brought me here and I’ll never say a word against him. There are fights in families as well.”
Recall that Florentino Perez pushed for the signing of Sergio Ramos in 2005 from Sevilla for a then transfer record fee for a Spanish defender worth 27 million euros.
Ramos went on to make 671 appearances in all competitions in which he scored 101 goals despite being a center-back. He helped Real Madrid to win five league titles, two Copa del Reys, four Champions Leagues, and four Club World Cups.
In his farewell speech, the club’s president Florentino Perez thanked Sergio Ramos for “making Real Madrid’s legend even greater and ensuring it is the most admired club in the world”.
“It’s not an easy day because you’ve been really special to me and you and I have lived and suffered through historic moments for Real Madrid,” he added.
“I wish you all the best and want you to know this will always be your home, a legend like you will always be one of this club’s great ambassadors.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos has revealed that he would not join Real Madrid rivals, FC Barcelona, and he is not planning to return to his childhood club, Sevilla which means, his next destination might be outside the Spanish La Liga.
👔 Florentino Pérez: "Te damos las gracias por lo que has representado, por agigantar la leyenda de nuestro club y por haber contribuido a que el nombre del @RealMadrid sea aún más admirado en el mundo."#GraciasSergio | #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/ni8bXaLnJv
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 17, 2021
