Death and taxes along with Sergio Ramos being a Real Madrid player seemed like the only certainties in life. However, last summer Real Madrid and Ramos parted ways after 16 long years upon the expiration of the centre-back’s contract. The same summer transfer window saw Lionel Messi leave Barcelona as well thus further proving that nothing is certain in football, as in life.
Real Madrid Exit for Sergio Ramos Was the Right Call
Captain’s Exit Led to More Criticism for Real Madrid President Florentino Perez
Sergio Ramos had demanded a two-year extension, but Florentino Perez played hardball and was only willing to offer a single-year extension along with a wage cut. After months of the renewal soap opera, Ramos decided to accept the only offer on the table from Los Blancos, but the offer was reportedly withdrawn due to a stipulated time frame.
This eventually booked Sergio Ramos’ ticket out of Spain as Paris Saint-Germain were quick to expedite negotiations with the Spain international and signed him on a two-year deal as a free agent.
At that time, it looked like a grave mistake by Real Madrid and Florentino Perez was in the limelight for all the wrong reasons, mainly due to his involvement in the proposed creation of the European Super League. Ramos’ departure from Madrid brought more criticism towards the president but his summer signing, David Alaba, who was signed as a free agent from Bayern Munich, would ease the blow.
Sergio Ramos Absence for Paris Saint-Germain
So far this season, Sergio Ramos is yet to play a single minute for PSG while his Real Madrid replacement David Alaba has started life at Madrid on a bright note. It almost appears Real Madrid don’t miss Sergio Ramos’ presence in the starting eleven anymore as Alaba has filled that void.
Los Blancos have struggled defensively this season but that is mainly due to their issues in the fullback position. Carlo Ancelotti has been rather unlucky so far as the first-choice full-backs have been injured.
Ferland Mendy is yet to play a game for Real Madrid after incurring a serious injury last season against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal continues to struggle with muscular injuries that have prevented him from being a regular starter.
David Alaba and Eder Militao had big shoes to fill following the exits of both Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos but have been excellent so far this season and have formed a rock-solid partnership. However, it could be too early to judge whether Real Madrid were right in letting Sergio Ramos leave. But for the moment, it looks like Florentino Perez made the right call as Ramos continues to struggle with injuries.
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