Alongside Gerard Pique at centre-back – despite the rumours, they actually get on just fine and appreciate each other’s will to win – Ramos led a backline which conceded only once in six games.
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If any international tournament sums up Ramos’ consistent excellence for his country, it’s Euro 2012. It was his way of having him right by his side in the biggest moments.” “He struggled to cope initially and always resolved to dedicate any Spanish titles to his great friend. “Puerta’s death had a huge effect on him,” Radio Marca editor-in-chief Rafa Sahuquillo, who has interviewed Ramos many times before, tells FFT. He still wears the No.15 for Spain in homage to his fallen friend, for whom it was a lucky number. Ramos was immaculate as Spain kept five clean sheets in their remaining six games, inspired by the death of Antonio Puerta, his childhood friend in the Sevilla academy.
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Vicente del Bosque replaced Aragones for the 2010 World Cup, but there was never any doubt of Ramos losing his place, despite a rib injury sustained in his country’s surprise opening defeat to Switzerland. “My name is Jorge,” sniffed referee Figueroa Vazquez. Look at it, Juan,” wailed Los Blancos’ skipper. During March 2021’s 2-1 win for Madrid against Elche, Ramos was seemingly hauled to the floor in a manner that Mohamed Salah might recognise. Later, he admitted, “Of all the coaches I’ve had with Spain, Aragones had the biggest impact on me.” Indeed, that same legendary coach was responsible for teaching Ramos his favourite trick of addressing referees by their first name to subconsciously get them onside. He kept his place, though, adapted and excelled. Ramos seethed at the public nature of his punishment. “It’s not about his football, it’s something to do with our life off the pitch.” “Sergio’s a great guy and professional, but there are certain codes of behaviour that he needs to adhere to,” Aragones said afterwards. When Ramos struggled to contain Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a group win against Sweden, Aragones let him have it. Too chilled, too late down for breakfast each morning, too giggly and disrespectful when a local oompah band played at the squad’s Neustift training base in western Austria. He’d swapped Sevilla for Real Madrid not long after his international bow – a bold betrayal for which neither he nor his family have ever been forgiven at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan – but by Euro 2008, Aragones wasn’t happy with his player’s off-field antics. “He plays every Sunday in La Primera.”īy the 2006 World Cup, Ramos was a Roja regular. “I couldn’t care less that he’s 18,” huffed the typically brusque Aragones. He was the youngest debutant for 55 years. Ramos was only halfway through his first season as a Sevilla regular when Luis Aragones called up the precocious right-back for a March 2005 friendly against China. Strange as it may seem 179 caps later, his senior Spain debut was controversial. and Ramos the indomitable last man standing.
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Two European Championships, one World Cup. That uber-talented generation – allied with another three or four years older containing Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres and Xavi – provided the backbone for what would become one of international football’s finest teams. Born in Camas, Andalucia in southern Spain’s bullfighting and flamenco heartlands, the explosive Sevilla defender was an age group regular for La Roja from their under-16s and won the 2004 European U19 Championship alongside David Silva and Roberto Soldado. Ramos always seemed to be destined for greatness. Sure, we luxuriated in Ramos seemingly growing old overnight in the Champions League semi-finals against Chelsea (not knowing the second-leg would be his final game for Los Blancos) and his unexpected Euro 2020 exclusion – but isn’t it about time we grew to love football’s best pantomime villain? After all, he might not have long left.
#RAMOS FIFA 15 PLUS#
IN THE MAG Messi, Neymar, Mbappe – destined for glory or doomed to fail? PLUS Ronaldo exclusive, George Graham, Oldham and moreĮnrique was quick to point out this wasn't the end of Spain's most-capped player and that he should use the summer to "recover 100 percent to continue playing for his club and in the future in the national team", but plenty predicted the end of one of the great international careers.