Sergio Ramos is as happy as a child with his return to Sevilla. The 37-year-old central defender returned to his childhood sweetheart this summer, but the hard core of the Spaniards was not really looking forward to that and it showed. Ramos now seems to have been embraced again, so that the 180-time international can, in his own words, ‘die peacefully’.
The man marker made his return for Sevilla last Sunday in the home match against UD Las Palmas (1-0). Ramos started in the starting line-up, saw Dodi Lukébakio score the only goal of the match in the seventieth minute and played the full ninety minutes. The ex-Real Madrid captain celebrated the victory enthusiastically and told the press afterwards that he was very happy with the way his return turned out.
“I am especially happy with the result, after we had such a difficult start to the season,” Ramos is quoted by Spanish media. “This club made my life. We had the advantage that we could play at home tonight (Sunday evening, ed.). The enthusiasm of the people here allowed us to bring the intensity.” The Spaniard was happy with his reception at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. “This is my house and these are my fans. This is unique. I can’t describe what’s going through me right now. I will take the way I was received with me to my grave. I can die in peace. Now we have to move on, because the people deserve more than just today’s victory.”
Ramos left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2005 after playing one season in Seville’s main squad. The right leg refused to extend his contract at the time, which made it easier for him to switch to the Royal. The Sevilla supporters did not appreciate that, which is why Ramos has been whistled at in every match in Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán since then. The marker, in turn, regularly challenged the fans by cheering provocatively when goals were scored.
More than two weeks ago, during his presentation at Seville, Ramos looked back on his departure in 2005. “It was eighteen years ago. When I left I made mistakes. I would like to apologize to anyone who felt offended at the time how that went. I hope to see you again soon, because it feels like family. My grandfather turned my father and me into Seville fans.”