Sergio Ramos on Monday warmed his former side Real Madrid that he is ‘ready to die’ for Paris Saint Germain when the two giants meet in the Champions League’s round of 16. The Spanish defender spent 16 years at Santiago Bernabeu before joining the Ligue 1 outfit last summer. 

The Champions League draw was redone after UEFA confirmed that a ‘clerical error’ occurred where Manchester United were mistakenly left out as potential opponents for Atletico in the original one. Real Madrid, who were to face Benfica, and PSG, who were paired with United prompting a Messi vs Ronaldo clash, will now face each other. 

Also read: Real Madrid shreds Atlético’s La Liga title defense with derby win

Ramos won the Champions League four times, three as Real Madrid’s captain. He finished his stint as Bernabeu with 671 appearances and 22 trophies. The 35-year-old struggled with injuries in the last two years and hence was let go. 

“Fate is capricious. I would have liked another team to have played us. You know the affection and love I have for Real Madrid. Now it’s my turn to defend PSG and I’ll do everything possible to pass. It’s the team that bet on me. I’m going to go to death for PSG,” Ramos said, as quoted by Spanish outlet Marca.

Also read: NYCFC wins MLS Cup, beat Portland Timbers in shootout

“It has been hard, different from what I have experienced in my career. Injuries have always respected me. To feel like a player again is the important thing. Many hours of darkness, loneliness, but it has helped me to overcome challenges,” he added. 

“It has helped me to know who were really there and who were not. There will be Ramos for a while. The family is already well adapted. I smile again, to compete again.”

Also read: Premier League: Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty guides Manchester United over Norwich

Along with Ramos, Lionel Messi will also be returning to Spain after leaving the La Liga last summer. 

PSG will play Real Madrid in the first leg on February 16.