Age is not a problem for Sergio Ramos. He has expressed it by active and passive. “No one can be judged by their ID.” They are the last words in this regard, pronounced at the end of the game against Atalanta. Although he was not talking about himself. He was referring to the performance that his partner, and good friend, Luka Modric is giving at Real Madrid at 35, the same ones that the captain himself will fulfill on March 30.. Some statements that are not just a compliment to the Croatian, but an argument in the negotiation to renew his contract with Real Madrid.
One of the sticking points in the talks is the length of the new contract. Madrid's policy is that, after 30 years of age, players who have to expand their ties do so from season to season. In that situation are Ramos and Modric. The Croatian has agreed with the club his extension for one more campaign. A mirror for Ramos, who asks for several years of contract without touching his salary. Madrid's offer is for two years and maintain the salary reduction that, due to the economic crisis derived from the pandemic, the club agreed with the players last season and intends to negotiate this.
The other side of the coin gives arguments to the central. Sergio has repeated actively and passively that, in general, the preparation and dedication of today's professional footballer is different from that of yesteryear and, in his particular case, “my 34 is my 28 from ten years ago”. He said it last Thursday, in a talk on Twitch with Ibai Llanos. “Football has evolved for the better on a physical level. There are certain players who already took care of ourselves ten years ago. If you sow, you reap. Now I feel stronger, faster and with more experience. I see myself leaving football earlier for a reason. mental than a physical issue, “explained Ramos to the streamer.
LaLiga Santander
* Data updated as of March 18, 2021
The footballer insists on not giving details of his renewal. “When there is something new, I will be the first to tell you”, he repeated, the last time after the match against Atalanta. But without addressing the matter, the talk with Ibai has not been the only moment in which he has taken the opportunity to send a veiled message. That same afternoon, at the presentation of The Legend of Ramos, the second season of his documentary series, commented: “Santiago Bernabéu said that there are no young or old players; there are good and bad. I can perform three, four or five more years, if my body supports me and the injuries respect me, I can be at the highest level, I work hard for it and my mentality will always be there “.
A triangle in which everyone has arguments. Modric's performance proves Ramos right and in turn, the Croatian's decision to accept one more year of contract reinforces the club's position. Twelve days after the captain turns 35, his future remains unresolved.