Sergio Ramos: Are Real Madrid right to keep him?

David Lynch

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:31 BST
• 2 min read

Sergio Ramos has opened talks with Real Madrid over a new contract.

With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, the 34-year-old would have been free to talk to other clubs in January.

However, discussions over fresh terms have begun, Ramos expected to commit his future to the Spanish champions.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain were believed to be have expressed an interest in signing Ramos upon the expiry his contract.

But the defender is, according to reports in Spain, ready to put pen to paper on a two-year extension on the same terms as his current agreement.

The news is a major boost for manager Zinedine Zidane, who spoke of his desire to tie the 34-year-old down following Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Inter Milan.

“As always, he is our captain, our leader,” he said.

“We want him here forever, it is what he is doing, showing that he always wants to. I have no doubt that he will stay and that it will continue to make history.”

Should he see out that deal, Ramos will have clocked up 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

So far, he has made 659 appearances, scored 100 goals, and won a string of major honours since arriving from Sevilla.

His silverware haul includes four Champions League titles, five La Ligas, and four FIFA Club World Cups.

He was also part of the Spain side that lifted the World Cup in 2010.

Ramos isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, either, having made 35 league apperances for Real last term – more than in any of his other seasons at the club.

He was Football Critic’s highest rated defender with over 1,000 minutes in La Liga in 2019-20, with an average rating of 7.2.

The Real captain also outscored the league’s other defenders, ending the campaign with 11 goals to his name.

No wonder Zidane was so keen to keep hold of him.