Sergio Ramos speaks on leaving Real Madrid and his Champions League ambitions with PSG.
Sergio Ramos has come out to discuss the transition from Real Madrid to PSG, how he initially struggled, and his current state of mind.
The 35-year-old center-back is a Real Madrid legend, having won five Champions League titles and ranking fourth on the Los Blancos' all-time appearance list; however, he left the club where he spent 16 years for Ligue 1 giants PSG in the summer of 2021, following a contract dispute that saw him run down his deal.
Ramos on leaving Real Madrid
Ahead of PSG's Uefa Champions League round of 16 clashes against Bayern Munich, Sergio Ramos discussed with UEFA how it was leaving Real Madrid and how he is currently fairing at PSG.
Ramos admitted that the move was difficult at first, as it was a big change for himself and his family, who had to settle into a new home. Also, even after completing the move, things became more complicated as he got injured and found it hard to adapt to his new team.
"Leaving Real Madrid was obviously a very big change," Ramos told UEFA.com, per Marca.
"My goal is always to continue winning. I won a lot with Real Madrid, but I thought this was a good opportunity for a change of scenery, to try to help a team like PSG.
"Everything was very difficult at first. You have to find a home and settle down, especially when you come with a family, with four kids.
"At first, having taken that leap, everything went wrong. I got injured, had a hard time recovering and adapting to the new system, to the new team and new coach."
The Spanish centre-back confirmed that he started to doubt if he had made the right decision, leaving Real Madrid for the French capital, but said his dedication and hard work saw him through those trying times.
"You begin to doubt whether or not you've done the right thing, but my career has been defined by consistency, perseverance and hard work.
"You keep fighting and it will give things more meaning in the future.”
I am where I want to be - Ramos
Despite all the initial troubles, Ramos is now settled at PSG. He has gone from playing only 13 games in the entirety of last season to 30 already halfway through this term.
The 2010 World Cup winner points out that everything has worked out for him at the Paris Club, and he is now enjoying life there.
"The process was a bit tough at first, but everything has worked out."
Ramos who already won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid has now set his sights on helping PSG win their first, and increasing his own tally. He believes that they have the quality to win the most coveted prize in club football, however, submits that it would take a lot of teamwork and putting personal egos aside.
“There are a lot of stars, some of the best players in the world," he said of the current squad.
"Winning is coming together, though, and all looking at the same objective. If a team ends up winning it's because they left their personal egos behind.
"The aim this season is to all come together, to bring the best versions of ourselves and stay balanced as a team. That is more important than any star we might have.
"Marriages are always based on a dream, and in a perfect partnership, everything will go great.
"But football doesn't always work out. The best teams don't always win.
In the end, Ramos confirms that he is happy and he is where he wants to be, and he believes PSG is the right club to help him make the most of the twilight years of his career.
"What I can say is that I'm where I want to be and at a club with so much hunger to win the Champions League. And I want to make the most of what remains of my playing career.”
PSG would host Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes for the first leg of their doubleheader and then travel to Munich on March 3rd for the return leg.
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