Real Madrid’s former defender Sergio Ramos has admitted that he never wanted to leave the club. Ramos’ departure was confirmed by the team on Wednesday but the talisman said that he wanted to stay at the club.

In fact, Ramos revealed that he was offered a contract extension by the club but when he decided to prolong his future at the club, the offer had already expired.

Speaking at his farewell press conference, Ramos said: “The first thing I want to say is that I never wanted to leave. I wanted to stay here. The club offered me the possibility of extending my contract, but because of Covid, it was put on the back burner.

“The club made me a one-year offer with a salary reduction. I have to say that there was no economic problem. I wanted two years and peace of mind for me and my family.

“During the last talks, I accepted the one-year offer, but I was informed that it was no longer possible, that it had an expiration date and that I had not heard about it,” he added.

In fact, it was reported several times that Ramos was against the wage pay cut and the 35-year old revealed his contract conditions were changed on many occasions.

“The conditions have changed several times, on their part and on ours. It got to a point where we had to make a decision but they never told me that the offer had an expiry date. It’s understandable but it surprised me that the offer had expired.”

Meanwhile, Ramos had a glorious career at Los Blancos as he played at the club for 16 years and grew in stature. Ramos went on to lift four Champions Trophies with the team and also won five LA Liga titles.

He made a total of 671 appearances in which he scored 101 goals. Furthermore, Ramos won two Copa Del Rey, five Spanish Super Cup, three UEFA Super Cup and four FIFA club World Cup with Real Madrid.

Thus he achieved everything which was there in the books with Real Madrid.