Sergio Ramos has reflected on his ambition to lift the European Cup Real Madrid, as it is one of the few trophies he has yet to win.
The 26-year-old has nine major honours to his name for club and country, but is alongside a majority of those at Madrid in having yet to lift win the Champions League.
“I think it gives a lot of prestige to compete with the big European clubs,” reflected Ramos on the importance of the competition in the latest issue of UEFA’s official magazine on the competition.
“It is always great motivation to face this competition because it tends of have a greater impact on everything else and so can have an effect.
“To win it is one of the greatest dreams that I have today. The first titles are the ones always marked on your life and hopefully in the future I can say that I have not only the one Champions League.
“Unfortunately it is one of the few things I have left to win, and I have a feeling of wanting it like a thorn, to lift a trophy like this.”
Madrid are into the quarter-finals of the competition after a Last 16 win over Manchester United.
“It was a very important win and a step forward to eliminate a great team like Manchester United. Furthermore we did it at Old Trafford, where for many years nothing like that had been seen.
“They have always been in contention and the game had much impact because we are two great teams.
“Real Madrid took an important step in passing to the quarter-finals and eliminated a great like Manchester United.
“At a psychological level, as a team, it was welcome. Now we face the quarter-finals with great enthusiasm.”
The tie at Old Trafford had seen Los Blancos fall behind on aggregate, when Ramos put through his own net.
“You must not lose focus even when your mistake is of importance. I had the misfortunate to score the own goal.
“I think what has always made me what I am and gotten me to where I am has been my head. I cannot drop at such a point because, for my personality and character, there are players that that can spread to. I always try to pass on the good, not the bad.”
Madrid will face Galatasaray in the quarter-finals of the competition.
“Never underestimate any team. All that are there deserve to be. That we are facing Galatasaray is not for their luck, just the opposite.
“They are a pretty strong team and certainly they are strengthened with Drogba and Sneijder. They are players who have a great global impact and are key pieces in the team.
“But the real danger is in the group, never the individual. One does not stand alone if the collective work is good.
“So Galatasaray must be respected, we will try to have a clean sheet at home and score goals because I am convinced that over there it will be very complicated.”