Former Real Madrid captain and legend Sergio Ramos joined Ligue 1 club Paris Saint Germain on Thursday. This move from the Spaniard parted way with Santiago Bernabeu, ending his 16-year trophy-laden career in Spain. The star defender signed a two-year contract with PSG. 

Who is Sergio Ramos?

A veteran, Ramos played 671 games for Madrid, scoring 101 goals. He has won 180 caps and scored 23 goals for Spain. The 35-year-old won the Champions League four times with Real Madrid. 

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Emerging through Sevilla’s youth academy and spending two seasons with the senior side, Ramos joined Real Madrid in 2005. He played as the center-back and defensive midfielder on occasion. As he grew through the ranks, Ramos established himself as one of the best center backs the club has ever seen. 

He won 22 major honours with Real Madrid, including five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles, becoming one of La Liga’s top goalscorers from a defensive position.

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It was in 2015 that Ramos agreed on a five-year contract with Real Madrid. He was also made captain after the transfer of Casillas to Porto. 

His most notable goal for Real Madrid came in 2014 when he scored the equaliser in the 93rd minute of the UEFA Champions League Final against Atletico Madrid.

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“The moment has come, one of the most difficult in my life, because you are never ready to leave Real Madrid. The fans supported me in the good moments and the bad. I would have liked to say goodbye in the stadium,” AFP quoted Ramos as saying.

“I’ll come back here one day, I’m sure. I want to say a huge thanks to Real Madrid, I will always carry you in my heart,” Ramos said at the presser, as he broke down into tears, insisting it is “not a goodbye but a see you later”.