Luis Enrique on Ramos' Spain snub as Real prepare fresh contract offer

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By Conor Laird

Published: June 14, 2021 7:55 pm

Last Updated: June 14, 2021 8:01 pm

A pair of noteworthy stories surrounding Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos have come to the fore online on Monday.

Table of Contents

‘A complicated decision’

The first surrounds the veteran stopper’s international snub.

Shockwaves were of course sent across the Spanish football landscape late last month, upon the unveiling of Luis Enrique’s squad for the European Championships.

The ex-Barcelona boss opted to call up just 24 players, with not a single Real Madrid star named amongst the group.

Whilst the absences of the likes of Isco and Marco Asensio were predicted by some, however, what certainly was not was the decision to exclude legendary defender Ramos.

The 35-year-old, who has lined out on a record 180 occasions for his country, is of course fresh off the back of a club campaign blighted by fitness problems.

But Ramos was nevertheless widely expected to at least be called up by Enrique, with his leadership qualities of the highest calibre.

Luis Enrique explains Sergio Ramos’ Spain snub as Real Madrid prepare fresh contract offer

VALENCIA, SPAIN – MARCH 23: Sergio Ramos of Spain celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group F qualifying match between Spain and Norway at Estadio de Mestalla on March 23, 2019 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In turn, ahead of La Roja getting their Euro 2020 adventure underway this evening, in a group stage meeting with Sweden, Luis Enrique was inevitably drawn on his decision to overlook Ramos.

And the Spain boss was simple and direct with his response, simply citing a lack of match fitness on the part of the Blancos standout:

‘Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group.’

‘I clearly see that it’s a complicated decision. I recommended that he be selfish and that he regains his level to play in his club and in the national team.’

Luis Enrique has explained why Sergio Ramos was not included in the Spain squad #ESP #EURO2020 https://t.co/OC6diDHytE

— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 14, 2021

Bernabeu stay?

Elsewhere on Monday, an update has been forthcoming on Ramos’ future.

In another surprise development surrounding the stopper of late, Ramos has been persistently tipped to depart long-time club Real Madrid ahead of next season.

This comes with the former Sevilla man’s contract due to expire later this month.

To this point, an impasse has been reached in negotiations over fresh terms, with Ramos reportedly demanding a two-year extension, and the board in the Spanish capital only willing to offer one.

If the latest word stemming from the media in Spain on Monday is anything to go by, however, then an agreement could yet be found before the expiration of the 35-year-old’s current deal.

As per a report from AS, Real Madrid are ‘open’ to tabling a fresh proposal.

President Florentino Perez is said to have met with Ramos last week, with the takeaways having proven of a largely positive nature.

Los Blancos remain fully aware of the importance of their captain and leader, and are therefore hopeful of finding an agreement over improved terms imminently. The uncertain future of Raphael Varane has also begun to force the hand of the Bernabeu hierarchy when it comes to Ramos, with a contract extension coming to fruition, in turn, beginning to look increasingly likely.