After a good 18 years, Sergio Ramos returned to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan as a Sevilla player. The defender says he will take the reception “with him to the grave”.
Sults, catcalls or even bottle-throwing – Sergio Ramos has faced the hatred of the Sevillistas at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan at every one of his appearances since his departure from Sevilla FC in 2005. On Sunday, however, the centre-back left the arena, which stands not far from his birthplace Camas, without being affected for the first time in a long time.
For in the first home game after his return to Sevilla, the fans responded to him with affection. “I feel so much emotion. It was incredible. I had some doubts, but I will take the reception on my return to the grave. Now I can die happy,” the veteran told “Movistar” after the final whistle. The 37-year-old had to wait a total of 6595 days for this feeling.
Lukebakio celebrates successful debut
As soon as the defender emerged from the catacombs to warm up, it was clear what kind of reception awaited him – even the visiting Las Palmas fans applauded. Ramos was already in the starting eleven on his comeback just 13 days after his official signing and showed his class in particular in an action shortly after the break when he successfully threw himself into Sory Kaba’s finish. Ramos also owes his perfect return to ex-Berlin man Dodi Lukebakio.
For the latter – on his debut for Sevilla – ensured their first win of the season ten minutes after coming on as a substitute with his tap-in for a 1-0 final score. “It’s something unique that you can’t put into words, and what better way to do that than with a win. May it be the start of a good series,” Ramos rejoiced.
The former Spain international dedicated the victory to “the fans and my people who support me in good times and bad, especially the bad ones. “