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First team

OVER 22,000 FANS TURN OUT TO WELCOME BACK SERGIO RAMOS IN AN EMOTIONAL PRESENTATION CEREMONY

06/09/2023
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The academy graduate was welcomed back to the Sánchez-Pizjuán for his second coming by adoring fans
Cuerpo Superior

Even with all the anticipation, it's fair to say that Sergio Ramos's dreams of a return to Sevilla were exceeded by the magical events of Wednesday night. After more than half an hour of questions in the press room, the most awaited moment arrived. He changed into his kit and walked out through the tunnel, where more than 22,000 Sevilla fans, who had been queuing for hours, were waiting for him. 

"It's a very special and emotional day. Many things have happened, but like the day I made my debut here, today is once again a special day: the day I return home. I still feel loved despite everything that has happened and I want to say thank you for all the affection you've shown. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have made it possible for me to pull on this shirt again. I have celebrated all the club's titles from afar, enjoying us become one of the greatest teams in Europe. Finally, I would like to share this moment of my happiness in the most sincere way. I'm a Sevillista and I'm here to give my all for the badge."

Ramos: "I have celebrated all the club's titles from afar, enjoying us become one of the greatest teams in Europe"

Ramos was not alone on stage, joined by his four children and his wife, as well as an army of mascots, all of whom were there to support him on such a long-awaited day. Furthermore, there were appearances from three very important figures in his career. Firstly, Pablo Blanco, the youth academy director, who recalled how "Sergio arrived at the training ground one afternoon in April, when he was 10 or 11 years old. We were surprised by his competitive nature and his personality. He came back a couple of days later and we decided he had to stay because he was different. I feel very proud to have him here again. He is a homegrown player and we have to be stand by him because he is going to make us very happy."

Navas: "I'm very happy because we can enjoy this time together"

Joaquín Caparrós, the manager who handed Ramos his Sevilla debut, acknowledged: "It's a luxury to have Sergio and Jesús, two footballers who are world champions but also belong to our community. We have to enjoy them. I remember Sergio's eyes shining when he was about to make his debut at the age of 17, because he knew he was going to achieve what he had wanted since he was a child in a Sevilla shirt. I'm pleased that Sergio is coming back because he's going to give us a lot of joy. Finally, Jesús Navas expressed the delight of being reunited with his fellow academy graduate: "Thank you for the welcome for Sergio because he deserves it. He has always given everything and here he is going to give his all. I congratulate my brother. I know what he has suffered because we have had many conversations and his wish was to come to Sevilla. I'm very happy because we can enjoy this time together".

Before leaving the pitch, Ramos and his family did a lap of appreciation for the onlooking supporters, waving and throwing balls to all parts of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán while his children ran around the pitch. The perfect dream come true that will likely remain forever in his memory.