Real Madrid
captain and legend Sergio Ramos on Thursday bid an emotional goodbye to the
club at his farewell press conference, saying leaving the club was one of the most difficult moments of his life. 

Addressing
the virtual presser, in the presence of his family and club president
Florentino Perez, Ramos said a “once in a lifetime” stage of his life is coming
to an end and that nothing will ever compare to what he has experienced at the Santiago
Bernebeau.

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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. 

The
35-year-old’s departure was confirmed by the club on Wednesday, ending a trophy-laden
16-year career at the Spanish capital.

Ramos played 671 games for Madrid, scoring
101 goals, including a 93rd minute equaliser in the 2014 Champions
League final against rivals Atletico Madrid, helping the club secure its tenth European
title with an eventual 4-1 win after extra time.  

That was
the first of the club’s four Champions League crowns in five years, as Ramos helped Real
witness one of the most successful eras in its history. Ramos has also lifted five
La Liga, and two Copa del Reys and a plethora of other titles with Real, making
him one of their most decorated players.

“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”.

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Perez said it was “not an easy day” as he remberered signing Ramos for €27 million from Seville in 2005. “He arrived wanting to take on the world. You are undoubtedly one of legends of Real Madrid. You have grown as a player here and been our iconic captain for years.”

A bout of COVID-19
and a series of injuries restricted Ramos to just
21 appearances this season, the least in his career at Madrid. He was also left
out of the Spanish squad for the Euro 2020.

According
to reports in Spain cited by AFP, Ramos and Real were unable to reach an agreement on a contract
extension. Ramos wanted a two-year extension, while the club were offering a one-year contract with a 10% paycut. 

Ramos’ contract will expire on June 30, and he is linked with a return to his former club Seville.