Sergio Ramos says he never contemplated playing for any other team bar Real Madrid during the entirety of his career with the Spanish giants.
The 35-year-old is a free agent after it was confirmed on Wednesday that he would leave the club, where he has established his reputation as one of the best defenders.
At an emotional press conference on Thursday, talk turned towards his future amid speculation that Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG are leading the race to sign Ramos.
The four-time Champions League winner refused, however, to drop any clues as to his next destination, but ruled out the notion of him playing for Barcelona and played down a return to his boyhood club Sevilla.
‘We never thought in any moment about any other team,’ he said. ‘Since January I’ve been on market, so there have been some calls, interested clubs.
‘But we never had in mind leaving Real Madrid. From now, we will look for a good option.
‘Sevilla is the other club of my heart, had marvelous time there. But today I am not thinking about that option. Barca would be a resounding no, impossible to see Ramos in a Barca shirt.
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‘These have been difficult months, not easy at all. I am fully happy when I’m on the pitch. But now I can say I am recovered, really looking forward to competing again.’
Ramos, meanwhile, was a surprise omission from Luis Enrique’s Spanish team which is currently competing at the Euro 2020.
La Roja began their campaign with a draw against Sweden, but Ramos says he holds no grudge against the current national team manager.
He said: ‘I understand Luis Enrique’s decisions, won’t judge them. I was looking to be in the best condition to represent my country. I am sad not to be at the Euros, but I will battle to recover my best level.’
