Sergio Ramos: “I’m excited to play in the World Cup, but it depends on Luis Enrique”

With the full smile of a dreamer, Sergio Ramos is not losing hope of making Luis Enrique’s final list for the World Cup. The Andalusian, who was separated from the routine last season due to injuries, is back to his best level and will be unquestionable for Christophe Galtier in a PSG team playing for first place in the Champions League tomorrow against Juve. These are his thoughts in a press conference:

Chances of going to the World Cup: “Everyone knows what it means to defend those colors. I feel good again, to be prepared but eventually it doesn’t depend on me but on Luis Enrique, whom I respect a lot. My illusion is full to return and play this World Cup. I hope I can go to Qatar.”

Play with Messi: “Any player is interested in sharing a dressing room. We all want to win with PSG, grow this team and help it as much as possible with our experience. Leo and I have a very good relationship. To win you need good group, respect for everyone and a good environment. Peace must reign, the enemy is outside. There is a good relationship, this is the best way to approach success”.

The World Cup for Leo: “It’s better to be a partner than a rival. Maintain performance at the highest level. Most veterans emphasize that players should be measured by performance, not age. It is one of the best in the world. The world cup? I don’t know, but I can see that he is focused from the beginning. If protecting oneself to get well, if hiding, this is not the solution. I want to train as a game, not to dose, and so does Leo”.

Your contract: “Playing with a defense of three or four does not depend on the players but on the coach, who is an expert. I have been playing four for many years, but big teams have flexibility. On a personal level, the line of four gives you more balance in midfield, where more possession is needed. Behind three, you have more defensive security.”

The renewal: “All I think about is playing, showing my best level. Let’s see what happens at the end of the year. I am grateful for the effort made by PSG, I hope I can return it with titles and performances”.

Difficulties due to injuries: “Last year was difficult because I had a lot of problems, as well as adapting to another club after spending most of my life at Real Madrid. Throughout my career, I have had very few injuries. I never once thought it was over. These are challenges that life gives us, and if there is one thing that defines my personality, it is effort, character and perseverance. I came to give my best and I continued on that path. There are changes on the board, on the bench and in the team, and I am happy in Paris. Hungry to win like I have throughout my career. I think I still have years left at the highest level, I love this sport. When you dedicate so much to it, you will eventually reap the rewards”.

Rivals, Juve: “A lot has changed since I played against them at Real Madrid. The understanding I have is that this is always a competitive team. Its history supports it, but it cannot live in the past. Shield is less important and current performance is more important. He had injuries that caused damage.”

The champions: “It is defined by small details. It is almost always won by the other team. The competition is very tough. Anyone, who does the right thing, can approach the throne. The luck, the history, the credibility that one gets is important”.