Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos has spoken out after being omitted from the Spain squad for Euro 2020.
The veteran defender will miss out on a major tournament for the first time since 2004 after Luis Enrique announced a 24-man squad for the summer that featured no Real Madrid players at all.
It is the first time in the history of World Cups and European Championships that no Real Madrid stars have made the Spanish tournament squad, with the likes of Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez, Isco, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Odriozola also missing out.
The omission comes after a series of injuries rocked Ramos’season, where he made just 15 LaLiga appearances for disposed champions Real as they missed out to rivals Atletico Madrid in the title race.
Responding to his Spain snub on Twitter, Ramos whose contract in Madrid expires this summer with his club future remaining uncertain – said: “After a tough few months and a strange season unlike anything I have experienced in my career comes the Euros.
“I have fought and worked every day, in body and soul, to be able to reach 100% for Real Madrid and the national team but things don’t always work out the way we’d like.
“It pains me not to have been able to help my team more and not to play for Spain but, in this case, the best thing to do is rest, fully recover and come back next year like we’ve always done. It hurts not to represent your country, but I have to be honest and sincere.
“I wish all my teammates the very best of luck and I hope we have a great Euros. I’ll be another fan cheering on from home. A big shout to everyone and #VivaEspaña and #HalaMadrid always!”
Explaining his decision to leave Ramos at home this summer, former Barcelona boss Enrique blamed the experienced centre-back’s recent persistent injury woes.
“I’ve not included Ramos because he’s not been able to play much this season, especially since January he’s not been fit enough, and at times not even training with the group at his club,” he said.
“It wasn’t easy, but I called him last night (Sunday) and we had a difficult and tough conversation. I feel bad as he’s a player who has always been at the top level and has a future with the national team.
“It’s a decision that I’ve taken for the good of the national team and the group as a whole.”
of the national team and the group as a whole.”
