Sergio Ramos joins Paris Saint-Germain on two-year contract

Former Real Madrid defender moves to Ligue 1 side after injury-hit 2021 and missing out on Euro 2020

Paris Saint-Germain signed former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos on a two-year deal. AP

Former Real Madrid great Sergio Ramos has picked Ligue 1 as the next destination in his football journey after signing a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Ramos, 35, won the Champions League four times with La Liga giants Real and is a World Cup winner and a two-time Europe champion with Spain.

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The veteran, who has won 180 caps and scored 23 goals for his country, arrives in Paris with the club desperate to add experience to their squad as they hunt for a first Champions League title.

“I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain,” Ramos said on the club's official website. “This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it's a day I will never forget.

“I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players. Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible.”

PSG sporting director Leonardo has also brought in Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool and Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi from Italian champions Inter Milan. Also, they hope to persuade France striker Kylian Mbappe to sign a new deal beyond 2022.

“Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era,” said PSG chairman and chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi. “We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us.

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Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino celebrates with star striker Kylian Mbappe after the French Cup final win over Monaco at Stade de France on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

“Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game. He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club.

“I am proud to see him in a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him.”

Media reports say PSG are also close to signing Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer after his contact with AC Milan expired at the end of last season.

Ramos, who moved from Sevilla to Real in 2005, played almost 500 La Liga games for Los Blancos, leading their defence for 16 seasons and winning the league title five times. However, niggles and a knee injury limited the veteran to just seven appearances in total for club and country in 2021, and he missed out on spot in the Spain squad for Euro 2020.

PSG are desperate to win Europe’s biggest trophy since owners QSI took over a decade ago. The club have achieved success, reaching the Champions League final last year. They lost in the semi-finals to Manchester City this season.

Updated: July 8th 2021, 1:24 PM