MADRID – Captain Sergio Ramos has been dropped from the Spain squad for Euro 2020 in a sensational call from coach Luis Enrique, who called up Eric Garcia instead.
Ramos is Spain’s all-time appearance maker with 180 caps and is their eighth highest scorer but he has had a campaign riddled with injuries and only made 21 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this term, including 15 LaLiga games.
Luis Enrique said he told Ramos on the phone on Sunday night that he was not in the squad and addressed the 35-year-old’s absence just after announcing his 24-man squad.
“I’d like to send message to Sergio Ramos, our captain, who is not on the list as he has not been able to compete since January in the right condition, or even train,” he said.
“It was difficult and tough decision but its the best thing for the team.”
Ramos underwent knee surgery in January and was only able to start two LaLiga games in 2021.
He picked up another injury last week and played no part in Real Madrid’s final game of the season against Villarreal on Saturday as they missed out on the La Liga title to Atletico Madrid.
“I would have liked Ramos to be in the squad but I did not think it was viable because he has practically been unable to compete,” Luis Enrique added.
Ramos started nine out of Spain’s 10 qualifying games and was the only player from the current crop who was part of the team that won Euro 2008 to end La Roja’s 44-year wait for a major trophy.
Spain had the chance to name 26 players after Uefa changed its rules on squad numbers but Luis Enrique decided to only name 24.
Manchester City centre back Aymeric Laporte was included in the squad after switching nationalities from France to Spain earlier this month.
His team mate Eric Garcia was also included despite only starting one Premier League game with City.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David de Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sanchez (Brighton)
Defenders: Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds United), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Jose Gaya (Valencia) Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) Rodri (Manchester City), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool), Pedri (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli)
Forwards: Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain), Adama Traore (Wolves)
