Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has been left out of Spain’s final Euro 2020 group, but Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, who switched allegiance from France, has been selected.
On May 24, Spain coach Luis Enrique announced his 24-man squad for this summer’s championship. Ramos will miss out after a poor season at Real Madrid.
In Ramos’ absence, Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets has been elected captain. Laporte has been given a defensive role ahead of the 35-year-old after his offer to play for La Roja rather than France was accepted earlier this month.
Enrique justified his decision to leave Sergio Ramos out of his plans
Following the squad announcement, Enrique justified his decision to leave Ramos out of his plans, telling reporters: “Ramos hasn’t been able to play this season and hasn’t been able to practice alongside the rest of the team. It was complicated and difficult for me to call him last night. I recognize that this is a difficult decision. I advised him to be self-centered and reclaim his ability to play for his club and the national team.”
On his chat with the seasoned center-back, Spain’s coach added: “We were just about his physical condition. It was a perfectly proper, courteous, and respectful exchange. It was not a straightforward task. I’ve always expressed my admiration for him. Of course, the decision has the support of my whole team.”
OFFICIAL: Aymeric Laporte is included in Spain's 24-man Euro 2020 squad after switching allegiances from France ✅
No Real Madrid players are included, including Sergio Ramos ❌
18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Pedri makes the squad 👏 pic.twitter.com/UIfoRfkmq5
— GOAL (@goal) May 24, 2021
Ramos has not missed an international competition for Spain since Euro 2004. He will have to watch from the stands as his countrymen attempt to wrest the cup from current holders Portugal. During Real’s most recent season, the World Cup winner missed a total of 35 games in all competitions due to a series of niggling injuries and coronavirus.
Ramos had promising knee surgery in January. He has only played two games for the Blancos this season. With Zinedine Zidane deciding to keep him on the bench for their La Liga final day victory over Villarreal.
Manchester City teammates Eric Garcia, Rodri, and Ferran Torres have replaced Laporte in Enrique’s group. With Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, Leeds United’s Diego Llorente, Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta, Liverpool defender Thiago Alcantara, and Wolves’ Adama Traore rounding out the Premier League contingent.
In other news, Barcelona’s Pedri and Villarreal’s Gerard Moreno, as well as Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata, who is currently on loan at Juventus, has cut.
Surprisingly, there are no Real Madrid stars in the group of 24.
