Image Courtesy: Twitter/realmadrid
Football and Real Madrid community gave farewell and tribute to the defender Sergio Ramos, who officially said goodbye to the club he spent 16 years with, told that his time with Real Madrid has been the most wonderful period of his life.
💬 @SergioRamos: "This has been the most wonderful period of my life."#GraciasSergio pic.twitter.com/xsndpJwBBq
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 17, 2021
The club gave tribute to the Spaniard and his legacy who left with multiple trophies and a remarkable record for the 13 times European champions. During the farewell, Ramos expressed emotionally that it was the most difficult part of his life to depart from the club after 16 years as a player.
🤍 WHAT. A. JOURNEY.#GraciasSergio | @SergioRamos pic.twitter.com/MIqZ6pCbvJ
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 17, 2021
“I never thought this day would come, but everything has a beginning and an end,” said the defender.
I never thought this day would come, but everything has a beginning and an end. pic.twitter.com/B4IlwQ4pBJ
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) June 17, 2021
In the farewell press conference, the player told that he never wanted to leave. He wanted a two year contract and the money was never a problem. Real Madrid offered him only one year contract with 10% reduction in salary. Despite wanting two years, he later accepted the proposal but the contract renewal offer was expired till that time and he had no idea about the expiry date.
Sergio Ramos: "In the last months Real Madrid offered me an offer of 1 year with 10% less salary. The money was never the problem. I wanted 2 years, then I accepted the proposal… but the contract renewal offer had an expiration date, and I didn't know about it”. ⚪️ #Ramos #Real
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2021
Ramos expressed his feelings for the club, the president , the players, fans and managers he was managed under the club on pitch.
Thank you to the club and to my teammates and my coaches. And thank you, especially, to you; the Madridistas. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all of you who made it possible and accompanied me on this incredible journey.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) June 17, 2021
“This is very emotional, very close and familiar moment, I am thankful for everything. I have left my soul every minute that I have put on this shirt. The relationship of me with Real Madrid was a perfect relationship. It doesn’t matter where we are, it’s important to stay together with the family.
I wanted to stay here in this club but I asked Real Madrid to plan for future because no player is offer than the club and the plan has to go on.” – Sergio Ramos
He explained his relationship with the president is like a father and a son.
“My relationship with the president is like of a father and a son, it’s exceptional. He has made me and my family live an amazing stage of life.”
The player spoke for his former manager Zinedine Zidane with whom he won three Champions League title back to back. He said, “Zidane will always have a place in my heart and he has earned it. He has my love and he is the best coach in history and one of the best in my career.”
He also talked about his relationship with the current manager of the club, Carlo Ancelotti and said, “I have a great relationship with Ancelotti. I called him and had congratulated him but didn’t talk about something else.”
Ramos had played under the management of Carlo Ancelotti during his first spell at the club in 2013 to 2015.
The Real Madrid family and fraternity gave tribute to their legend.
“It was a pleasure and honour to have you as a partner and player. A great caption. Thank you for everything,” posted Zidane.
The president of the club, Florentino Perez thanked the Spanish captain for defending the crest and for his fighting spirit in every game until the end.
🤝 Florentino Pérez: "Thank you for everything you’ve given this club and for having defended our crest and shirt and put your heart and soul into every game and always fought until the end."#RealMadrid | #GraciasSergio pic.twitter.com/NxZc6BS2Gz
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 17, 2021
“Dear Sergio, I will never forget what we have experienced together. Best of luck captain,” tweeted Carlo Ancelotti.
Querido Sergio, nunca olvidaré lo que hemos vivido juntos. Mucha suerte, Capitán! pic.twitter.com/q3llh5p0rD
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) June 17, 2021