Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has claimed that he nearly joined the Premier League club that his dad is a big fan of.
Ramos is regarded as one of the best defenders to ever play the game after an illustrious career that has so far spanned 20 years.
Throughout his career, he has won multiple league titles and Champions Leagues and also tasted World Cup glory with Spain back in 2010.
However, the Sevilla star has now revealed that he was close to joining Premier League giants Manchester United in 2014.
As per The Sun, Ramos said: “Yes, I was close to playing for United. My father is a great fan of that team, but I stayed where I should, Real Madrid.
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“Despite everything, I maintain my admiration for the club, for the Premier League and for its players, because the pace of play is different, and it is a league from which we can all learn a lot.”
He added: “I was happy to stay in Madrid, and now I am happy to be in Seville.”
This summer, it was reported that Ramos rejected big-money offers from Saudi Arabia to return to his boyhood club.
He said: “Sevilla gave me everything. They trained me as a footballer, to be able to play for the first time in the First Division, and since then there is something that I feel from within.
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“I have felt these colours. When I was asked to return home, this was my first option because I wanted to return to close a cycle. I wanted to see that all the love I feel for people is reciprocated.”
Ramos added: “It has been an unforgettable moment for me and this is something I would recommend to anyone who started his career in his hometown.
“I am enjoying it every day, every training session and every game.”
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Topics: Sergio Ramos, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Premier League, Manchester United, Football
Marcus Chan