Sergio Ramos insists that despite Real Madrid having won 6-2 at Sevilla two years running, it is always tough at the Sanchez Pizjuan.
Los Blancos take on the Andalusians on Saturday night and Sevilla-born Ramos, who began his career with his local club as a 10-year-old in 1996 before moving to Madrid in 2005, says it is always special for him to return to his old stamping ground.
“It’s always a tremendous feeling to go back, not only personally to see my family and friends but also professionally because it’s a club that has given me so much.
“At Real Madrid we are always obliged to win no matter where we play but I know Sevilla and I know that, despite the bad run they have had or are having at the moment, they always make things difficult on their own ground,” Ramos told Madrid’s official website.
Asked if the Spanish champions were still favourites to regain their crown despite the disappointing start to the La Liga season, Ramos remained non-committal.
“Normally we would be but I don’t really want to comment on it. In football you can’t live in the past and have to show things day-in-day-out.
“It’s true that last year we achieved things that were practically unbeatable and we had an unbelievable season.
“It was a title we very much deserved and now we must defend it. As a minimum we have to do things equally as well, to keep earning the respect of our opponents that we have always had, and carry on winning trophies.”
Ramos also declared that he would like to be remembered at the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the club’s legends when he calls time on his playing career.
“From the time I arrived I’ve always made it a personal challenge to become a legend here and I hope that in the future my name will endure in the history of a club as great as Real Madrid.
“That is the case with players like Raul, Pirri, Camacho, Di Stefano…people who over the years will always be remembered for having played for this team.”
