Sergio Ramos is a veteran of the Spanish national team, having earned 180 caps and winning a World Cup and two European Championships throughout his illustrious career.
The Real Madrid captain, on the other hand, has been left out of Spain’s Euro 2020 squad.
The decision stunned Spanish football fans and the rest of the world, but why hasn’t Luis Enrique named the defender in his starting lineup? Goal investigates the causes.
Reason Why Sergio Ramos will not play for Spain at Euro 2020
Ramos was left out of Spain’s Euro 2020 squad due to a disappointing season with Real Madrid, which saw him sidelined for much of the season due to injury.
“Ramos has not been able to compete this season, he has not been able to train with the group,” Spain coach Enrique explained.
He continued, ” “I recognize that this is a difficult decision. I advised him to be self-centered and reclaim his ability to play for his club and the national team.”
Despite having a successful knee operation in January, the Real Madrid captain only started two games in 2021 and was left on the bench for Madrid’s season-ending match against Villarreal. For the first time since 2009-10, the 35-year-old was part of a Real Madrid team. The team finished second in La Liga and went trophyless.
Ramos will not play for Spain at the international level for the first time since 2004. He won the two aforementioned European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup. Ramos was understandably disappointed to learn of his exclusion from the squad, but he accepted Enrique’s reasoning.
He wrote on Instagram, “After a difficult few months and a strange season unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my career, the Euros arrive. I’ve fought and worked every day, in body and soul, to give 100 percent for Real Madrid. The national team, but things don’t always go as planned. It hurts me that I wasn’t able to do more to help my team. I didn’t get to play for Spain. In this case, the best thing to do is rest, fully recover, and return next year. We always have. It hurts not to be able to represent your country. I have no choice but to be truthful and sincere. I wish all of my teammates the best of luck and am looking forward to a fantastic Euros. I’ll be another home supporter cheering on the team.”
