Spain’s most capped player, Sergio Ramos, has announced his retirement from international football after a phone call with new manager Luis de la Fuente. The Paris Saint-Germain central defender had represented Spain in 180 games and was part of the squads that won the World Cup in 2010 and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Sergio Ramos’ retirement from the Spanish national team has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The 35-year-old defender was one of the most influential players for Spain, having won four UEFA Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies with Real Madrid.
Ramos criticized coach Luis de la Fuente for not selecting him, regardless of his performances. Ramos said he wished he could have played more for the national team and that his time with “La Roja” would have ended in a better way.
“The time has come, the time to say goodbye to the National Team, our beloved and exciting Red,” Ramos wrote. “This morning I received the call from the current coach who told me that he doesn’t count and that he won’t count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my sporting career.”
Ramos made his Spain debut in 2005 and had been left out of the national teams for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup after Spain’s shock defeat against Morocco. Luis Enrique stepped down as manager, and de la Fuente took charge and informed Ramos that he is not part of his plans going forward.
Sergio Ramos ends his international football journey and team Spain
“With great regret, it is the end of a journey that I hoped would be longer and that would end with a better taste in the mouth, on the height of all the successes we have achieved with our Red,” Sergio Ramos’ statement continued. “Humbly, I think that that career deserved to end because of a personal decision or because my performance was not up to what our National Team deserves, but not because of age or other reasons that, without having heard them, I have felt.”
Ramos expressed admiration and envy towards veterans like Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Pepe, who are still thriving with their national teams. The former Real Madrid star said he takes back indelible memories, all the titles they have fought and celebrated together, and the tremendous pride of being the Spanish player with the most internationalities.
“I will continue to cheer on my country from home with the thrill of the privileged who has been able to proudly represent it 180 times. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who always believed in me!” said Ramos.
Ramos’ retirement from the Spanish national team marks the end of an era for Spanish football. Despite the controversy, Ramos will remain a legend for his country, and his contributions to Spanish football will be remembered for generations to come.
Sergio Ramos’ retirement and its impact on Spanish football
Sergio Ramos’ retirement from the Spanish national team has sent shockwaves throughout the football world. The 35-year-old defender was one of the most influential players for Spain, having won four UEFA Champions League titles, five La Liga titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies with Real Madrid.
Ramos was also a crucial member of the Spanish national team that dominated international football between 2008 and 2012, winning two European Championships and one World Cup. With 180 appearances for Spain, Ramos was the country’s most-capped player, surpassing former goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
However, Ramos’ relationship with the Spanish national team had been strained in recent years. He was left out of the squad for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers after a disappointing performance in the Euro 2020 opener against Sweden. Ramos was also struggling with injuries and had not played for Spain since November 2020.
Many football experts and fans had expected Ramos to make a comeback for the World Cup in Qatar, given his experience and leadership skills. However, new coach Luis de la Fuente’s decision to exclude Ramos from the squad came as a surprise to many. Ramos himself was shocked by the news and felt that he deserved more respect and consideration from the new coach.
Sergio Ramos’ retirement is a significant loss for the Spanish national team, as well as for Real Madrid, where he played for 16 years. His departure leaves a huge void in the team’s defense and leadership, and it remains to be seen who will step up to fill his shoes.
At the same time, Ramos’ retirement marks the end of an era for Spanish football, which has been dominated by the likes of Ramos, Casillas, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa over the past decade. These players have left an indelible mark on Spanish football, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.
In conclusion, Sergio Ramos’ retirement from the Spanish national team is a significant moment in the history of Spanish football. While his departure is a loss for the team and the fans, it also opens up opportunities for new players to step up and make a name for themselves. Regardless of what the future holds, Ramos will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to have ever played for Spain, and his contributions to Spanish football will be celebrated for generations to come.
