Real Madrid will never look the same again after announcing the departure of its long-serving captain Sergio Ramos when his contract expires this summer.
The 35-year-old had failed to reach an agreement over a new contract and the Los Blancos confirmed on Wednesday that Ramos will leave as a free agent at the end of June, ending his 16-year association with the Spanish giants.
It will be viewed as an end of an era in the Spanish capital with Ramos regarded as a central figure to the club, continuing as its fearless leader in spite of all the political chaos, managerial departures and billions of euros spent on transfers.
He leaves as a true champion and one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, scoring 101 goals in 671 appearances and winning 22 trophies, including five LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies.
It was the centre-back who scored the crucial stoppage-time equaliser in the 2013-14 Champions League final against city rivals Atletico Madrid, ending Real’s long quest for the ‘Decima’, their 10th European title.
With retirement looking unlikely, Ramos can now look forward to a new adventure to conclude his career.
He could follow the path of his former Spain colleagues Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Xavi, who all secured lucrative moves to Japan, USA and Qatar late in their careers.
Mirror Sport looks over his illustrious career and what lies ahead for the Spanish veteran…
Next club
Even at his age and showing some signs of decline, Ramos will not be short of suitors when selecting his next club.
It was even reported in June that Manchester City had offered the defender a two-year contract to add some experience to their backline, having fallen at the final hurdle in their attempts to win the Champions League.
Such a move would disappoint his father, Jose Maria, who Ramos revealed is a Manchester United fan before the teams met in Europe in 2013.
In fact, the centre-back was close to heading to Old Trafford in 2015 when he was locked in a contract standoff with Real before performing a U-turn and penning a new deal.
PSG and Juventus are thought to be weighing up a move along with Sevilla, according to AS, although it seems unlikely he would return to his boyhood club as Ramos has never been forgiven by the supporters for moving to Madrid in 2005.
While a move to another European club remains a possibility, it seems Ramos could head to a new continent with interest from clubs in China, Japan, Qatar and USA.
Euro 2020 snub
Which club do you think Sergio Ramos should join this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
There was uproar in Spain when Luis Enrique announced his 24-man squad for Euro 2020 in May and Sergio Ramos was conspicuous by his absence.
For the first time in the history of La Roja, there would be no Real Madrid player for Spain at a major tournament — and that meant their captain would miss out too.
While it is true the enigmatic defender had struggled with injury problems during the 2020-21 campaign, his leadership qualities and respect of his team-mates would have made him a sure-fire favourite to be included.
He is Spain’s all-time appearance record holder with 180 caps, scoring 23 goals and played a crucial role in their triumphs at Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as winning the World Cup in 2010.
Luis Enrique almost embraced the media backlash but it did appear to be a curious move, particularly when considering the Spanish press is dominated by Madrid-based publications.
“I'd like to send message to Sergio Ramos, our captain, who is not on the list as he has not been able to compete since January in the right condition, or even train with group,” the Spain head coach said.
“I told him by phone last night, it was difficult and tough, but it's best for team.
“My conversation with Sergio yesterday remains private, I won't tell anyone. It was not easy to tell him something which was not positive for him, but I have to make decisions which I and my staff consider is best for the team.
“Any decision I made about Sergio Ramos would have been controversial. I know where I am, and accept there will be media noise.”
Leaving out Ramos would ensure they had a stick to beat the coach with, should Spain flop at Euro 2020, and it casts doubt over whether he will play again at international level.
Red card record
His first career red card came in the 1-0 defeat to Espanyol back in September 2005, a month after his move from Sevilla.
Just 11 days later, he would pick up his second — this time in the Champions League against Olympiakos — after reacting angrily to a challenge from Giannakis Okkas in stoppage time. Thus began the streak.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Barcelona are the team Ramos has experienced most trouble against and he took his Clasico red card count to five with a horrendous challenge on Lionel Messi in their 3-2 home defeat to the Blaugrana in April 2017.
His final dismissal in a Real Madrid shirt came against Manchester City in the Champions League in February 2020, having gone a whole year without receiving an early bath.
He committed a professional foul when hauling down Gabriel Jesus after the Brazilian had broke clear on goal and that ensured he would tie with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edgar Davids for the most red cards in Champions League history with four.
Incredibly, despite his record of indiscipline at club level, Ramos has never seen red in his 180 caps for the Spain national team.
