Tearful Ramos claims time ran out on new deal

Sergio Ramos has revealed his time at Real Madrid came to an end due to him not accepting the club’s contract offer in time, with the former captain revealing all at a farewell press conference today.

Ramos’ negotiations with club president Florentino Perez often spilt over into the media throughout the past season, with the 35-year-old now claiming disagreements were over the length of the contract, not salary.

“I never wanted to leave Real Madrid, I always wanted to continue here,” Ramos said. The club offered me one year, with a drop in salary. I wanted two years, for me and my family. Then I was told that the offer from the club was no longer there, time had run out, and I had not realised. I decided to accept the offer, I thought it was still on the table, but they said it was by now too late."

Ramos, who departs after 16 years confirmed he will be looking for a new challenge: "Some people thought Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid was a perfect marriage. But it was not to be, now is the time to look for another team, play at my level, and add more trophies to my CV.

"We never thought in any moment about any other team. Since January I've been on the market, so there have been some calls, interested clubs. But we never had in mind leaving Real Madrid. From now, we will look for a good option."

The free-scoring centre back also shot down rumours of a return to his first professional club, Sevilla, whilst questioning club president Perez’s decision making.

"Sevilla is the other club of my heart, I had a marvellous time there,” said Ramos “But today I am not thinking about that option. Barca would be a resounding no, it’s impossible to see Ramos in a Barca shirt."

"These are private meetings, which I want to keep private, out of respect for my club and my president. Some things you should not reveal. But it was communicated to my agent, about a week ago, and we were surprised. I never received an ultimatum for yes or no."