SPAIN boss Luis Enrique’s sensational decision to leave out Sergio Ramos from his final Euro 2020 squad shocked La Roja fans.
But why was the decision made to not take one Spain’s most iconic players to the tournament?
Why isn’t Sergio Ramos playing for Spain?
The Real Madrid star has been a constant feature for Spain over the years and has amassed an incredible 180 international appearances.
Ramos played a key part in Spain’s qualification for this exact tournament starting nine out of ten qualifying matches.
The now 35-year-old was also a key tenet in helping his country to European Championship success twice as well as World Cup glory in 2010.
However, Ramos’s omission from the squad means he will not reap another opportunity to help them add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
The centre-back’s lack of playing time which has seen him sidelined for the most part of this season added with Real Madrid’s terrible campaign has been labelled as the reason why he’s not in the squad.
An injury struck season has meant Ramos has only been able to feature 21 times in all competitions for Los Blancos this term.
The Real Madrid captain went through a successful knee operation in January, but still only started two games in 2021.
Spain boss Luis Enrique said: “Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group.
“I clearly see that it’s a complicated decision. I recommended that he be selfish and that he regains his level to play in his club and in the national team.”
Ramos’ exclusion amazingly means it is the first time EVER that no Madrid player has been included in a Spanish squad for a major tournament.
Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte was named in the squad following his switch of allegiance from France and club compatriot Eric Garcia was also included despite having only featured in ONE Premier League game this season.
Enrique added: “Any decision I made about Sergio Ramos would have been controversial.
“I know where I am, and accept there will be noise from the media.
“The Aymeric Laporte decision has nothing to do with the Ramos situation. [Ramos] is a top player, can help our national team a lot, plays at one of the best clubs in history.
“Please don’t mix Ramos not being in the squad with call-ups for others. I’d have liked him to be here, to have recovered.”
Ramos’ void meant that Sergio Busquets was appointed captain, however the 32-year-old had to withdraw from the squad after testing postive from Covid-19 – meaning that one of the elder statesmen, Jordi Alba, has inherited the captain’s armband.
Spain face Sweden in their Euro group opener on June 14 before taking on Poland five days later and Slovakia on June 23.
Spain squad for Euro 2020
- Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez.
- Defenders: Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya, Aymeric Laporte, Pau Torres, Diego Llorente, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Cesar Azpilicueta.
- Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Rodri, Koke, Pedri, Fabian.
- Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Pablo Sarabia, Gerard Moreno, Mikel Oyarzabal, Adama Traore, Ferran Torres.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
