Sergio Ramos has revealed he turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS in order to return to Sevilla.
Ramos left Sevilla way back in 2005, having come through the club's youth academy, and went on to become a Real Madrid legend - winning four UEFA Champions Leagues, five La Ligas and four FIFA Club World Cups.
After 16 successful seasons with Madrid, Ramos would spend a two at Ligue 1 giants, racking up 58 appearances for the club.
Speaking via Relevo after leaving PSG and returning to Sevilla, Ramos revealed that he turned down a new two-year deal at the French club, as well as offers from the Saudi Pro League and MLS in order to re-join his boyhood club.
"I had the opportunity to continue in Paris for two years, but I didn't see it," he explained. "I have always been moved by impulses and heart. Not by money. That's why I didn't go to Arabia or the MLS. That's why I risked the call until the minute 93 to sign for Sevilla.
"Sometimes everything happens for a reason and I believe in energy. For me it was a dream to return here. The time to return was now, as I could help the club in a delicate moment, and the economic issue has not been a problem because we solved it in five seconds,"
READ THE LATEST LA LIGA NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP
90min understands that former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema attempted to persuade Ramos to join Al Ittihad, but the defender turned down the opportunity. Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich had also been made aware of his siutation prior to choosing Sevilla, although none presented an offer in the end.
Speaking on Sevilla's official club channels, Ramos also revealed that honouring his grandfather, who passed away in 2019, played a huge role in his decision to re-join the club.
"I come to help out, to pull in the same direction and I am looking forward to putting on the Sevilla shield, stepping on the Sanchez Pizjuan and meeting with all of you again," he said. "It was not only a debt that I had with myself but also with my family, with my grandfather that made me a Sevilla supporter since I was little, with my father…It didn’t make sense to take another direction.
"I hope to see you very soon. I’m here to give my best and try to achieve my objectives with the team."
LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS PODCAST
On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth, Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss the deals that did and didn't happen on deadline day. They talk over Ryan Gravenberch's move to Liverpool, why Joao Palhinha didn't join Bayern Munich, Sofyan Amrabat's loan to Man Utd and more.
you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!
This article was originally published on 90min as Sergio Ramos reveals he turned down contract offers to join Sevilla.