PSG sign ex-Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos on 2-year deal
Sergio Ramos will join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing a two-year deal at the club, it was announced on Thursday.
Ramos, 35, left Real Madrid when his contract expired on June 30 after failing to agree an extension, bringing an end to 16 years at the club.
“I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Ramos said.
“This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it’s a day I will never forget. I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players.
Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible.”
Ramos had wanted a two-year deal. His wages at PSG are set to be lower than what he was earning in Spain and what he would have earned had he stayed at the Bernabeu.
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The defender claimed he “never wanted to leave Real Madrid” and said that after drawn-out negotiations, he had wanted to accept a one-year deal, only to be told the club’s offer had been withdrawn.
“It wasn’t a financial problem. They offered me one year, I wanted two,” Ramos said at his Real Madrid farewell news conference on June 17. “In the latest conversations I accepted the offer with a pay cut, and I was told there was no longer an offer. It had an expiry date and I didn’t realise. It surprised me.”
“Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era. We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us,” said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO. Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game.
“He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club. I am proud to see him in a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him.”