For the first time since his departure, Sergio Ramos returns to Real Madrid. It will be an emotional day for the Sevilla player and perhaps his last appearance at the Bernabeu. But only perhaps
Sergio Ramos has long since made important arrangements for the day of judgment. “On the day of my funeral, I’ll be buried with the flags of Real Madrid and Sevilla,” he said a long time ago. It gives you at least a rough idea of the significance the game at the Bernabeu must have for the former Real captain.
Since the summer, Ramos has been playing for Sevilla FC again, where the defender, who was born not far from the Andalusian metropolis, once learned to play soccer. In 2005, he transferred to Real Madrid for 27 million euros, announced that he would soon become captain – and he did. He remained loyal to the Whites for 16 long years and won almost two dozen titles there before finding his way back to Sevilla via Paris St. Germain.
But there are still two hearts beating in Ramos’ chest: “I will feel at home because I spent so many years there, with the most important moments of my career, and I have wonderful memories of the fans and my team-mates”, “It will be a unique and emotional moment.” His coach believes that the fans will give him a fitting welcome. “Real Madrid know how to treat their legends”, said Quique Sanchez Flores. “They will receive him at the level he deserves. “
The goal celebration would be canceled
Of course, the highlight would be a goal. And that’s not so unlikely: Ramos may not be as quick or as agile as he used to be, but he still has a goal threat. He is also considered a reliable penalty taker, scoring in the Champions League in the 1:2 in Lens. In 24 games for Sevilla, he has scored a total of five goals, not a bad rate for a central defender. However, he has only scored once in La Liga so far. “I have a lot of respect for the fans and for Real Madrid, and if I score a goal I won’t celebrate,” said Ramos. “But if I’m lucky and that goal is enough to win, I’ll be happy because those three points will be very useful.”
Useful: yes. Vital: not so much. Sevilla are now in no-man’s land in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone and 14 points behind the international places. The situation is different for Real, who should not allow themselves any slip-ups in the championship despite their six-point lead over surprise team Girona. “They’re having a good moment, they’re top of the table and have players of exceptional quality. We know the ground we’ll be playing on very well and we’ll try to play a good game there,” Ramos continued.
Ramos’ future is open
Will it be his first and last return to the Bernabeu? Ramos’ contract expires at the end of the season and he turns 38 at the end of March. At Sevilla, he has been spared the bad luck of injuries that often left him struggling at PSG. “At the moment, I’m happy here and I’m not thinking about what might happen tomorrow,” explained Ramos. “I try to train well every day and as long as I get up with the same joy – why not keep going? You never know. “
