By Nazir Jarmajo
In September 2005, Sergio Ramos made his debut for Real Madrid as a substitute in a 3-2 defeat under the then Coach Wanderley Luxembourgo. There were high hopes for him then, having arrived from Sevilla for 27 Million Euros, but he has surpassed every expectation now that he’s departing the club. It was in 2010 he cemented his place in the heart of Madrid defence, as Pepe struggled with knee injury. Half a decade later he has cemented his legendary status at the Club.
He has played with some aggression throughout his career. A fine defender and a great leader as Ancelotti wrote in his book titled: “Quiet Leadership.” Excerpts: “A leader with strong character, who is never scared, never worried, and always positive.” His stories won’t be told in cleansheets and red cards but for moment of greatness especially in the constant battle with Barcelona, his part in the classico rivalry, the Paneka penalties and the last ditch sliding tackles.
In that memorable and unforgettable 94th minute goal against Atletico in the Champions League final among the 101 he has scored and also the two crucial headers in four minutes against Bayern Munich in the semi final second leg in 2014 which took Real to their first Champions League trophy in 12 years to receive the craved tenth European crown that is the La Decima. Ramos also led Madrid to another three more Champions League crowns in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
As a defender, there have been a few better. But for pure talent, Cristiano Ronaldo is above him like wise Alfredo Di Stefano as well as Zinedine Zidane. Even at that, Ramos stands as the 21st Century Real Madrid icon.
On Thursday 17th June, 2021, Ramos said his farewell at Madrid insisting that he intended to accept the clubs offer of a one year extension but he was told that he had run out of time.
Next season, Real Madrid wll hopefully be looking at pairing of David Alaba the new man and may be Rapheal Varane who might actually leave the Bernabeu as reports continue to link him with a move to Manchester United. Eder Militao who had a fruitful ending last season is also an option.
Ramos will continue to play football at the highest level but claims he does not know which team he’ll represent next season. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United will always be the front runners to acquire the services of the seriously experienced leader who wants a new challenge. But will they pay him what he wants?
Talking of money, Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Khelaifi, the money man, will be capable of having Ramos in their ranks as they chase their first Champions League glory. A man with 4 Champions League crowns will give them the exact quality they want if they’re to win the continental prize. Meanwhile, on the other hand, United which Ramos eventually used their interest back in the years to eke more money from Madrid, will like Ramos to partner Maguire at the heart of their defence. As the the Manchester side transfer activity is affected by Covid-19 financial crisis, Ramos will for sure this time come as cheap as expected with bunch of experience to help that Man United defence line.
Carlo Ancelotti will have to think alot at the Spanish capital this time around with no much money there to be spent at a club which needs proper rebuilding.
Zidane left Real Madrid’s midfield the way he left it back in 2018, the first time he departed. Age is catching up on Luka Modric therefore Ancelotti will be in need of a fresh blood to learn from the ballon d’Or winner before he calls time on his playing days at Real. Odegaard is the player touted by many to be that man Ancelotti will fancy despite how intelligent and flamboyant the young man is. Don Carlo love players who make things happen for example the front four he had back in 2014 that consist of the BBC and Di Maria as well as James Rodriguez in 2015, the player who followed the Italian to Merseyside.
In attack, Real’s focal point in the market is Kylian Mbappe and PSG will only sell for nothing less than 300 million Euros as per speculations going round the media. A player who scored 42 goals and some couple of assists last season will always be expensive but Madrid’s problems are more than Kylian Mbappe for the mean time. It is obvious that Real Madrid need a proper centre back, right back, a decent midfielder, Mbappe and a rejuvenated and injury free Gareth Bale together to challenge for multi dimensional success come next season.
A Real Madrid without Zidane, Ronaldo and Ramos will definitely be the start of a new era at the Bernabeu.
Jarmajo is the publisher of Kurra.com.ng
