On Thursday, there will be a press conference to announce that Real Madrid captain and talisman Sergio Ramos will leave Los Blancos after 16 years of service.
The 35-year-old will be joined by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to confirm his exit from the club.
Ramos is leaving Los Blancos as his contract expires later this month. The Spanish international’s exit may be major news, but it is not a surprise as Ramos made just 21 appearances for the Spanish giant last season.
His lack of game time also led to his omission from Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
The previous season Ramos played a crucial part in Los Blancos’ winning the Spanish title, scoring several crucial goals along the way. In fact, the centre-back has not only been a key player but a leader and talisman for over a decade and a half.
Since joining from Sevilla in 2005, Ramos has made 671 appearances for Real Madrid in a trophy-laden time in the Spanish capital, winning amongst others five La Liga titles and also an impressive five Champions League trophies.
The news gives Real Madrid as a club an opportunity to celebrate one of their best players in the modern era of football. It also gives Ramos the opportunity of a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The veteran defender had been linked with a return to boyhood club Sevilla, but reports from Spain suggest that Ramos will not be returning to the Andalusian club anytime soon.
However, reportedly Premier League duo Manchester City and Manchester United are interested in signing the centre-back this summer, as well as PSG. The fact that so many big clubs are showing interest in Ramos illustrates the Spaniard’s status in the game.
His career with Real Madrid may be at an end, but judging by Ramos’ character there is still time for Ramos to make an impact at another major European club.