Here are some of the first sound bites coming out of Sergio Ramos’ press conference this afternoon. I’ll update this post later, if needed.
Originally, Iker was scheduled to speak, but Sergio asked the club to allow him to talk to the press. During the press conference, he revealed that he had spoken yesterday with Puyol and Xavi to ask them to apologize, and he also asked everyone for their forgiveness for his expulsion. He also recognized that his tackle against Messi was “a bad image for children,” that he was wrong to do so and that his intention was not to injure the player. He added that, Barcelona played a great game, and the only thing left to do is congratulate them, because things turned out well for them and we had one of those rare days where nothing worked in our favor.” And he wouldn’t be Sergio without also saying that he didn’t like some of the actions of the Barcelona coach and players.
As for Madrid, Sergio said that the team was hurt after the game for letting down the escudo that they defend, the shirt they wear, and that they didn’t like the image they projected, or the suffering of madridistas: “it gets to you. Now is the time to bring out the pride that has always personified Real Madrid. There have been good and bad moments, and Madrid has always come out on top. We didn’t lose the Liga, it was only three points. We have to continue working hard with a lot of responsibility and humility. We have to be more united than ever, to be a piña and to keep going forward.”
He also touched upon his red card record, pointing out that he had never injured anyone in his expulsions, and a lot of them were double yellows, not straight reds, for protesting or wasting time. He revealed that he was worried about the image he’s giving to kids, and asked for their forgiveness as well.
Sergio also said the club did well in appealing UEFA’s decision, because “we didn’t do anything bad. We weren’t seeking to receive those cards, but each person can think what they like.”
And, he also threw his support behind Xavi for the Ballon d’Or: “he’s one of the best candidates and a deserved winner, not only now, but for the last several years. I hope a Spaniard wins it, and hopefully it will be Xavi, whom I have a lot of affection for.”
I’m really happy that Sergio took the initiative to speak out, I like what he said, I like that he accepted responsibility and I think he’s learned a valuable lesson, so we can only expect good things from our segundo capitán from now on.
