35-year-old Los Blancos captain and stalwart Sergio Ramos, who has been with Real Madrid since 2005, will depart at the end of his contract this summer, with the La Liga club announcing on Wednesday evening that they will host a farewell to the defender on Thursday, followed by a virtual press conference.
A short statement on the club website read:
“Real Madrid C. F. announces that tomorrow, Thursday 17 June, at 12:30pm, an institutional act of tribute and farewell to our captain Sergio Ramos will be held, which will be attended by our president Florentino Perez.
Sergio Ramos will then appear before the media in a virtual press conference.”
A young Ramos arrived at the Bernabeu 16 years ago following a switch from Sevilla and went on over the years to carve out a glittering career for himself and a glorious history for the Los Blancos, winning five La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns as well as the Copa Del Rey twice.
It was during his time in the Spanish capital that he also won the 2010 World Cup with Spain along with back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
The recently-concluded campaign saw injuries taking their toll on the Madrid captain as he played just 21 times, with Madrid losing out in the title race to city rivals Atletico while also going out at the semi-final stage of the Champions League.
Ramos will be a free agent and a host of top clubs are already reported to be interested in signing him, not least of which are PSG, Sevilla, Manchester United and Manchester United, among others.