Sergio Ramos admits it is “unusual” not to have Iker Casillas behind him for Spain but insists Monday’s win against Czech Republic “is the line to follow”.
David de Gea was picked over Casillas for Spain’s Euro 2016 curtain-raiser against Czech Republic, which was won by a late Gerard Pique goal, and Ramos made it clear the saga surrounding the Manchester United goalkeeper was “more than forgotten”.
“It is what it is, nobody said it would be easy. The team dominated, and when you persist, you eventually get what you want,” the vice-captain said after the match.
“It was a good goal by Gerard and we’re very happy. This is the line to follow.
“[On Spain leaving it late], football is like this. They closed down well at the back and made it difficult for us, but we had clarity between the lines.
“Had any of the chances we had in the first half went in then maybe things would’ve been different.
“[The de Gea saga] is more than forgotten. The Coach tries to put out the fairest team, it’s he who makes the decisions. We’ll try to give our best, and from there it’s what God wants.
“[On Casillas not being in goal], after so many years it’s unusual [not to see him behind me], but De Gea had a great season and has arrived well.
“[On being captain], I’m proud to represent my country, but [the armband] isn’t important. The most important thing is to lead [my country] and win [at the same time].”
