• News

‘A see you later, not goodbye’ – Ramos’ parting message to Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid
Getty Images
Advertisement

An immensely successful collaboration comes to a close as the iconic defender bids farewell to Los Blancos after 16 long years.

Sergio Ramos leaves the door open a Real Madrid return, saying he will be back at the club “sooner or later” in some capacity.

Ramos’ departure certainly comes as source of sorrow for the Real Madrid faithful but not exactly as a source of surprise.

The 35-year-old wanted a two-year contract to renew while club president Florentino Perez was unwilling to make an exception to his rule of handing only one-year deals to players over 30, as per reports. Neither party was willing to compromise, and the separation was bound to happen.

On Wednesday, his imminent exit was officially announced, with a farewell ceremony scheduled for the long-serving Los Blancos captain.

“The moment has come, one of the most difficult in my life; the time has come to say goodbye to Real Madrid,” said Ramos in his final press conference.

“I arrived hand in hand with my father. It’s impossible not to get emotional,” the center-back added as he burst into tears.

“Thank you, Real Madrid. I will always carry you in my heart. It’s the end of a wonderful, unique period in my life, and the beginning of a period of hope and future with a great desire to show my best for many years to come and to be able to add another trophy to my list of honors.

“Thank you very much to everyone. This is more than a goodbye; it’s a see you later because I’ll be back sooner or later.”

x