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By Martin Graham | 25th Feb 2023
Spain’s long time serving defender announces he will be retiring from the Spanish national team.
Sergio Ramos was part of Spain’s golden generation of footballers that went on to dominate European and World football.
To the surprise of football fans, PSG and Spain’s star defender, Sergio Ramos, has been snubbed by the coaches of the national team, and for a player of his class who is still playing at the top level, many have been left wondering why.
A recent change of guard at the helm of affairs brought in a new coach, Luis de la Fuente, and Ramos would have seen this as an opportunity to get back into the national team set up.
The fierce defender has now revealed that he had a talk with the new coach to find out if he is in his plans for the national team, and the response has made it clear that his time with the national team has come to an end.
A glorious career comes to a sad end for Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos made his conversation with the new Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente, public. The coach had a phone call with Ramos and told him that even if he was in great form with his club PSG, he would not be called up to the team.
36-year-old Ramos has now reluctantly announced that he is retiring from international football with Spain, drawing the curtain closed on a career that is the stuff of legends.
Ramos is the highest capped player for Spain with 180 appearances for La Furia Roja. He was part of the team that won the World Cup, and back-to-back Euros titles in 2008 and 2012. He also has an impressive goal scoring record for a defender with 23 goals.
Sergio Ramos posted his farewell message on social media: “I received a call from the current head coach who informed me I am not and will not be part of his plans, regardless of how I perform or whatever I do in my career.
“With a heavy heart, it is the end of a road which I hoped would end with a better taste or on a part with we achieve with La Roja.”
Ramos who moved from Real Madrid to PSG in 2021 would have thought that his move to another big team, and his form there will be considered by the national team coaches.
“I honestly believe this journey deserved to end at my choosing or because my performances were not at a level worthy of the national team — not due to a question of age or other reasons.”
“Age in itself is not a virtue or a defect,” Ramos continued. “It’s just a number and not necessarily related to ability.
“I admire players like Luka Modric, Lionel Messi and Pepe. They are the essence of tradition, values, meritocracy and justice in football. Unfortunately, it won’t be like that for me because football is not always fair.
“I accept this, albeit with sadness, but my head is held high. I come away with unforgettable memories and the titles we have fought for and celebrated together and the tremendous pride I feel at being the most capped Spanish international of all time.”
Sergio Ramos has made it clear that he has been forced into retiring by the actions of the new coach who has taken the same stance about him as the former coach, Luis Enrique, who froze him out of the squad.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
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