PARIS: Sergio Ramos, the former Read Madrid stalwart considered one of the best defenders in the world, will join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing a two-year deal at the club, it was announced on Thursday.
Ramos 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 in a statement. “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,” he added.
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.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO, said, “Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era. We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us.”
“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,” he added.
Ramos won the Champions League four times with Real and is a World Cup winner and a two-time champion of Europe with Spain. Ramos, who cut his teeth with Sevilla before joining Real in 2005, played almost 500 league games for Los Blancos, marshalling their defence for 16 seasons and winning La Liga five times.
