SERGIO RAMOS broke down in tears as he emotionally bid goodbye to Real Madrid after 16-year trophy-laden years with the club.
Madrid confirmed their captain would leave at the end of the season when his contract expired.
Ramos, 35, held a press conference to say his farewells and was reduced to tears with his wife Pilar Rubio and their children present.
He said: “I’ll always keep Real Madrid in my heart.
“A marvellous stage in my life is over, but a new exciting future awaits and I am looking forward to showing my level and winning some more trophies.
“You’re never prepared to say adios to Real Madrid but the moment has arrived. This is a ‘adieu’ as sooner or later I will return.
“I would like to thank the fans, they carried me in their arms at all times. I would have liked to say goodbye at the Bernabeu.
“But I will always carry you in my heart.”
Ramos joined from Sevilla in 2005 and went on to win five LaLiga titles and four Champions League trophies in the Spanish capital.
He ended with 671 appearances scoring an incredible 101 goals in the process, and even became Spain’s most capped player playing 180 times.
The World Cup winner went trophy-less this season as Atletico Madrid won the league with Barcelona lifting the Copa del Rey.
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PSG and Manchester United are among those linked with free agent Ramos, who was a shock omission from Spain’s Euros squad.
Hehas already been replaced at Madrid by David Alaba, who arrives on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
And, speaking before Ramos, Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Thank you for everything you have given to this club and for defending our shield, leaving your soul in each game and always fighting to the end.”
Ex team-mate Karim Benzema tweeted: “More than a Captain, my friend, my brother, thanks for all the moments we spent together on the road of success for the @realmadrid. Wish you all the best legend.”
Ramos has already been replaced at Madrid by David Alaba, who arrives on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.
And, speaking before Ramos, Madrid president Florentino Perez said: “Thank you for everything you have given to this club and for defending our shield, leaving your soul in each game and always fighting to the end.”
Ex team-mate Karim Benzema tweeted: “More than a Captain, my friend, my brother, thanks for all the moments we spent together on the road of success for the @realmadrid. Wish you all the best legend.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
