Sergio Ramos announced that he was not thinking of leaving Real Madrid, but now he must find a new destination after the end of an amazing 16-year career full of titles with the Spanish club.
The player celebrated his 35th birthday recently, but he was plagued by injuries this season, which led to his exclusion from the Spain squad in the European Championship (Euro 2020), but he stressed his desire to prove his worth at the highest level.
There are only a few European clubs that can afford his salary, which Marca newspaper said amounts to 12 million euros a year.
Saint-Germain may be the right place for Ramos, and the French team can certainly benefit from the strength of personality and experience of the player who won the Champions League four times to lead him to the continental title.
Also, Manchester United and Manchester City are among the few English teams that can afford his high salary.
But City have a strong defense, and the Spaniard may struggle with coach Pep Guardiola's playing style.
Ramos entered into negotiations with United in 2015 before deciding to stay at Real, and although his salary is still the same, he is now 6 years older and there are doubts about his physical condition.
Manuel Flores, who lives in Seville, where Ramos grew up, said Paris may be more suitable for the Spanish defender than Manchester because of its proximity to Spain, where Ramos' wife Pilar Rubio is a TV presenter.
"I don't think he will go to England," added the Spanish defender's friend.
Although he feels proud of his star compatriot, Flores pointed out that (this) the 2010 World Cup-winning defender is no longer as popular as he was after his departure from Seville to Real in 2005.
As Reuters tried to find out what locals in Seville thought about Ramos, there was a lack of care.
Flores said that he hoped Ramos would return to Seville, but the player blocked this option in his farewell speech at the press conference, and also ruled out joining Barcelona, rivals Real.