Former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain star Sergio Ramos will be wearing a Sevilla jersey once again, as he returns to his childhood club. Sevilla announced this Monday. While whispers of interest surrounded Ramos from football giants like Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, Galatasaray, FC Porto, and even MLS teams, the call of home was too powerful to ignore.
A journey that began when Ramos was just seven years old, ascending Sevilla’s youth academy, has come full circle. The prodigious talent made a significant mark with his debut for Sevilla’s first reserve team at just 16 during the 2002-03 campaign. As Sevilla declared, “Our academy’s centre-back… returns home nearly 20 years after venturing to Real Madrid at 19.”
Ramos’ trajectory soared in 2021 when he transitioned to PSG as a free agent after an impactful 16-year tenure with Real Madrid, during which contract extensions reached an impasse. His spell in France brought him two Ligue 1 crowns, but that’s just the tip of his decorated career. With Real Madrid, Ramos lifted the Champions League trophy four times and clinched five LaLiga titles, leaving an indelible mark with 671 appearances and a remarkable tally of 101 goals for a defender. Additionally, on the international front, Ramos stands as Spain’s most decorated player, boasting a 2010 World Cup and two European Championships, before his decision to retire internationally in February.
In an emotional heart-to-heart with Sevilla TV, Ramos reflected on his journey and mended bridges.
“There are invaluable moments in life. My heart beckoned me back home,” Ramos confessed. “I had unfinished business with Sevillismo, debts with legends like Puerta and Reyes. It was imperative to make amends. Sevilla has always been my heart’s team. We must let bygones be bygones. I extend my heartfelt apology to Sevillismo. Despite playing for Madrid, the Sevilla anthem always stirred something profound within me.”
Ramos reminisced about his formative years at Sevilla, particularly his supportive grandfathers, Pepin and Juan, who diligently ferried him to training sessions. He acknowledged their pivotal role, stating, “A significant part of my success is attributed to them.”
However, Ramos’ return is shrouded in uncertainty regarding the reception from Sevilla fans, particularly the Biris, the ultras group Ramos was once closely associated with. Despite his historic ties, many among the Biris currently harbor strong animosity towards Ramos. The group later expressed their discontent, issuing a statement challenging the club’s decision, suggesting the signing did not align with their core values.
Only time will tell how this homecoming pans out for Ramos and Sevilla, but one thing is clear: this season will be one for the books.
