"The end of a great period in my life"
While the Spanish national football team continues to fight on the fields of the European Championship, a high-profile event took place in the country, at least temporarily eclipsed everything else for many local fans.
Real Madrid have announced the departure of one of their top stars, team captain Sergio Ramos.
At a special press conference, the president of the club, Florentino Perez, said that it was not easy for him to say goodbye to the legendary player.
He remembered signing for the first time with a defender who joined the creamy in 2005.
“This guy from Kamas had a great desire to conquer the world.
It was then that I signed a contract with a Spanish player for the first time, and this process was not easy, but we were sure that his arrival would be the beginning of a new era.
Over the past 16 years, you have joined the galaxy of the brightest players in the history of our club.
You came to us almost as a child, and I am incredibly proud of what you have achieved, ”Marca quotes Perez.
The situation that arose during his speech to journalists speaks volumes about the importance of Real Madrid for the footballer himself.
Commenting on his departure, Ramos could not hold back his tears.
Those present at the press conference supported him with applause.
“This is one of the most difficult moments in my life.
It's time to say goodbye to Real Madrid.
I was brought here, holding my hand, my father ... It is impossible not to be imbued with emotions.
I would like to say goodbye at our Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Thank you Real.
You will remain in my heart forever, ”added the player.
🎙 @SergioRamos toma la palabra por primera vez desde el anuncio de su marcha ... y no puede evitar emocionarse 🥲
Sigue EN DIRECTO la rueda de prensa de despedida del capitán del Real Madrid: https://t.co/VWQarCNQdjpic.twitter .com / IXNA7Mrqhq
- MARCA (@marca) June 17, 2021
He stressed that his plans did not include leaving the team, and assured that the reason for leaving was not a financial issue, but the prevailing circumstances.
In particular, the footballer wanted to extend his contract for two years, and the club's management insisted on a one-year agreement.
At the same time, he did not disclose the details of the negotiations.
“A wonderful and unique period of my life is coming to an end, and the stage begins, which will be marked by hope and an irresistible desire to show everything that I am capable of for many years to come and replenish my list of achievements with new trophies.
Thanks everyone.
I do not say goodbye, but goodbye, because I will be back, "added the defender.
Ramos's current contract expires at the end of June.
Given the recent events around the football player and his tensions with the Madrid leadership, such a development of events can hardly be called unexpected, but the team's fans until the last had the hope that the captain would remain in the club.
Rumors of tense contract negotiations began to surface long before today.
It was reported that the issue of future salaries became a stumbling block.
If the player wanted to increase it, the management insisted on a decrease, complaining that due to the pandemic, the financial situation of Real Madrid had already deteriorated significantly.
It is worth noting that tensions between Ramos and Perez arose several years ago. According to media reports, the defender enjoyed great authority in the team, so he could easily set up teammates against the president of the club. For example, it was he who allegedly persuaded the players to massively oppose salary cuts when it came to buying the expensive Kilian Mbappe.
But Sergio himself has repeatedly threatened to leave the club.
One of the most unpleasant incidents occurred in 2019 after the crushing defeat of the Spaniards in the 1/8 finals of the Champions League by Ajax with a score of 1: 4.
Perez, who came to the locker room, began to scold the players harshly, including the captain who did not take part in the match.
He, in response, indicated the reluctance of the leadership to spend funds on a high-class striker who would take the place of the departed Cristiano Ronaldo, and announced his readiness to leave.
Even last week it was reported that Ramos is ready to accept the conditions offered to him and go to a reduction in wages.
However, later it turned out that there was a certain period during which he had to decide on his future and which had already expired by that time.
According to the lawyer, neither he nor his representatives knew anything about this.
The day before, it was reported that the footballer and the president met again to allegedly discuss the details of a new agreement.
However, now it has become clear that the parties have not managed to come to an agreement, although the new head coach of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, also counted on the player.
# GraciasSergiopic.twitter.com / 22yNa7b7Tb
- Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) June 17, 2021
As for the further fate of Ramos, the media suggested that the player could return to Sevilla, whose pupil he became at the age of 10 and for the main team of which he spent 50 matches.
It was reported that the former club allegedly offered the defender a contract, according to which he would earn € 35 million in five years, but then a source familiar with the situation said that this option was not even considered, which Sergio himself later confirmed.
Presumably, this could be due to the fact that the player himself allegedly wants to receive € 7 million not offered by the Andalusians per year, but € 12 million. Therefore, a more likely option for continuing his career is moving to more wealthy clubs, for example PSG, Manchester City and "Manchester United".
Moreover, it is the “townspeople” who have been in contact with the football player's representatives for some time.
According to Spanish media reports, after Ramos leaves, his colleague Marcelo will get the captain's armband.
In his absence, Karim Benzema or Rafael Varane will receive it.
"Today you are leaving your home"
The importance of Ramos' figure for Real Madrid can hardly be overestimated.
For 16 years, he has become the same symbol of the team as Lionel Messi for Barcelona.
In the very first season, Sergio began to enter the field in the starting lineup, and the next year he helped the “creamy” win gold Examples.
In total, he became the owner of five national championship titles, and also won the Spanish Cup twice.
In the 2013/14 season, Real Madrid won the Champions League for the first time in 12 years.
Two years later, the team repeated this success and did not give the title to anyone for the next two seasons.
It is worth noting that Ramos made a significant contribution to this success, not only because of his leadership and reliable actions in defense, but also goals.
In total, he managed to score 101 goals for Madrid, including the most important goals in the decisive matches of the European competition.
His teammates reacted to the departure of the legendary player.
For example, striker Karim Benzema thanked Ramos for his contribution to the success of Real Madrid.
“More than a captain.
My friend and brother, thank you for all the moments that we went through together on the way to the success of Real Madrid.
All the best to you, legend, ”wrote Benzema on Twitter.
His former teammates also spoke about the importance of Ramos.
So, he was approached by the former Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, who now plays for Fenerbahce.
The greatest legend in club history is leaving Real.
All the best for the next phase of your career, brother.
I am still nostalgic for the times I spent together in Madrid, ”Ozil said.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who handed the captain's armband to Ramos before leaving in 2015, also did not stand aside.
“My friend, today you are leaving your home, but you will remain a Real Madrid legend forever! I am honored that I have shared so many great moments with you. All the best for the future. A great footballer and a great man, "- quoted Casillas" Championship "with a link to his Twitter.