Real Madrid center-back Sergio Ramos has been omitted from the Spain squad for this summer’s European Championships.
After struggling with injuries all season, the 35-year-old made just five appearances in all competitions during the second half of the season, and it seems he hasn’t done enough to win Luis Enrique’s trust.
Enrique unveiled his squad on Monday and there was no place for Ramos, despite the boss choosing to use just 24 of the 26 player spots made available to him this summer.
Aymeric Laporte, the Manchester City team-mate of Eric Garcia, is called up in Ramos’ place at the back. Pau Torres of Villarreal and Diego Llorente of Leeds complete the center backline.
It’s the first time since Euro 2004 that Spain will travel to a major tournament without Ramos, who has been a near-permanent fixture of the squad since making his debut in 2005 and even captained the team during the last international break.
“I told Ramos about my decision last night on the phone,” Enrique stated (via Lucas Navarette). It’s been almost a year since he trained or played with the team.
“I care about the benefit of our squad and I told him to be selfish so that he could be back to his good form and keep playing for his club and country.”
After missing out on the Olympic squad for Spain just days earlier, Ramos will spend the summer at home.
As a further surprise, Enrique has not selected a single Real player this summer. In Ramos’ absence, perhaps the most surprising omission is that of Nacho Fernandez, who has impressed for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
Instead, the nod has gone to Garcia, who has played a grand total of 360 minutes in 2021 so far – 35 fewer than Ramos.
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