Iconic Spanish defender Sergio Ramos joins PSG ranks

Published on : 07/08/2021 – 12:06

PSG hits a big blow in the transfer window by recruiting Sergio Ramos, the former captain of Real Madrid. The Spanish defender, a true legend of world football, officially joined the club in the capital on Thursday, July 8.

“It’s a big change in my life. It’s a new challenge for me, but I’m proud to be able to take it up here in Paris. I come here with the desire to work hard and win titles, two values ​​that are dear to the club. I am happy to be part of this great club “, explained in a press release the player who will find his favorite N ° 4.

With the former captain Merengue, who arrives free, the club of the capital offers itself both a winning state of mind and a foolproof experience to try to finally reach the Grail of a coronation in C1, after a final lost in 2020 then an elimination in the semi-final in 2021.

He is a new recruit of choice for sporting director Leonardo, after Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and Moroccan side Achraf Hakimi, probably waiting for Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma after the Euro final. Reinforcements may be likely to convince Parisian superstar Kylian Mbappé to extend his current contract beyond 2022.

Burst of trophies

Sergio Ramos is an extraordinary record in world football, with a World Cup (2010), two Euros (2008, 2012), plus his four Champions Leagues, but also five Spanish league titles ( 2007, 2008, 2012, 2017, 2020) with Real Madrid.

It is also a recognized reliability in the choppy matches for this leader of men with a fiery temperament, who for example sounded the charge of an equalizer in the extra time of the 2014 Champions League final against Atlético. , finally won 4-1 after extra time by Real Madrid.

In sixteen years in the Merengue jersey, Ramos (1.84 m) has asserted himself as one of the best central defenders in the world for his aerial presence, his power in duels and his sense of anticipation, despite an unfortunate tendency to lack of concentration, especially in less exposed matches.

He is also a rare defender-scorer, who recently assumed responsibility for taking penalties at Real, and has 101 goals in 671 matches for the Madrid club.

A backward start

However, it is reluctantly that the Andalusian was forced to leave Real this summer, after refusing an offer of a one-year extension accompanied by a salary cut.

“A wonderful page of my life is turning but another is opening, made of dreams, of the future,” Ramos said during his farewell to Real. The defender said he wanted to “show his best for several years” and win “other titles”. The former right-back, converted central, is one of the most prolific defenders in history, with 23 goals with the Spanish selection of which he is the most capped player: 180 selections, a record in Europe.

Originally from Camas, on the outskirts of Seville, Andalusia, Ramos was trained at Sevilla FC. He made his professional debut there in 2004-2005 before joining Real Madrid at 19, who had acquired him for 27 million euros.

Questions about his physical form

The only downside for the neo-Parisian: his physical condition and his ability to chain matches at 35 years old. His last season at Real was disrupted by numerous injuries, to the right thigh, left calf and hamstrings, to the point that Spain coach Luis Enrique chose to do without his captain for the Euro, to the great disappointment of the person concerned.

Like the recruitments of superstars at the end of their careers like David Beckham, Dani Alves or Gianluigi Buffon in recent years, this is a nice marketing coup. It may also be a good sporting choice for Paris, which now has with Ramos, Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe three central defenders of international level and an additional argument to convince Kylian Mbappé to stay.

The superstar striker has not agreed to continue beyond his lease expiring in 2022, posing the threat of a departure this summer, possibly at Real Madrid.

According to the press, Mbappé wanted to see how the Parisian workforce was going to be reinforced before deciding. With the arrival of the former Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, he is served.

With AFP