Real Madrid City played host to the tribute event held for club legend Sergio Ramos, who bids farewell following 671 competitive appearances, which yielded 101 goals. The ceremony, which was attended by members of the club’s board of directors, began with the screening of an emotionally charged video featuring footage of the captain, before the club president, Florentino Pérez, offered his address, which featured words of praise for Ramos;
“You’ve carved out one of the greatest careers in the history of our club. For many years, you’ve been a role model for our fans and without doubt, you’re now one of Real Madrid’s biggest legends. Thank you for everything that you’ve given this club and for having defended our crest and shirt and put your heart and soul into every game and always fought until the end”.
“You’ve grown as a player during your time here and you’ve been our iconic captain for years on these pitches, where you’ve earned the respect and admiration of everyone who loves this sport. You’ll forever have a place in madridista hearts. Our supporters will always remember you as a player who, as we at Real Madrid put it, never gives up”.
Club legend: “It’s very difficult to achieve everything that you have at Real Madrid: four Champions Leagues (three of which were consecutive), four Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, five LaLiga titles, two Copas del Rey and four Spanish Super Cups. Those 22 trophies see you take your place alongside your teammate Marcelo as one of the most decorated madridistas of all time, behind only our honorary president, Paco Gento”.
SERGIO RAMOS: “THANKS TO REAL MADRID. YOU’LL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. THIS IS THE END OF A UNIQUE AND MARVELLOUS CHAPTER”.
“For the madridistas from every corner of the world who love this club, you’ll always be the man who won us La Décima (the club’s 10th European Cup crown). What you did in the 93rd minute in Lisbon is, and will always be, iconic. Beyond the statistics, you’ll always be one of our great captains and, without question, one of the best-loved captains. We thank you for all that you’ve represented, for having added to our club’s legacy and for playing your part in making the name of Real Madrid even more admired across the world”.
Club ambassador: “Today’s not an easy day because during all of this time you’ve been really special to me and because you and I have suffered, fought, enjoyed ourselves and experienced the successful recent history of our Real Madrid together. Above all, I want you to be happy alongside your loved ones, regardless of where you are, and to know that this will always be your home. We’re certain that a legend like you will always be one of Real Madrid’s great ambassadors”.
Sergio Ramos: “This is the end of a unique and marvellous chapter”
“I joined the club with the support of my parents and brothers at the age of 19. I was just a kid and thanks to God, I’ve now got a marvellous family, with a wife and four children. I’m fortunate enough to be able to say that we were a really united family when I joined and I leave with the great family that has always supported and been there for me”.
“You can never prepare yourself for this, but the time has come to say goodbye to Real Madrid. I want to thank everyone for putting up with and respecting me: the club, the president for his affection and all of the staff, who are like family to me, the coaches… It’s impossible not to get emotional about this because I’ve been here for many years”.
“I also want to thank the fans, who’ve backed me since I joined the club. I’d have liked to have been able to say goodbye to them at our stadium. Thanks to Real Madrid. You’ll forever be in my heart. This is the end of a unique and marvellous chapter and I don’t think that I’ll ever experience anything quite like I have here. Rather than a goodbye, this is a see you soon because, sooner or later, I’ll be back”.
At the close of the ceremony, president Florentino Pérez presented Ramos with the Real Madrid gold and diamond pin and a group photo was taken alongside the 22 trophies he lifted during his time at the club.
