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Luis de la Fuente opens door to Sergio Ramos Spain return

Luis de la Fuente opens door to Sergio Ramos Spain return
© Reuters
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente refuses to rule out a return to the La Roja squad for experienced defender Sergio Ramos.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has refused to rule out a return to the squad for Sergio Ramos.

The 37-year-old is back at Sevilla, returning to his boyhood club on a free transfer this summer following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

Ramos is the most-capped Spain player in history, featuring for the national side on 180 occasions, winning two European Championships and the World Cup during his time with La Roja.

The centre-back announced his international retirement at the end of February after new head coach De la Fuente made it clear that the former Real Madrid captain was not in his plans.

However, Ramos said during his unveiling as a Sevilla player that he was open to returning to international action.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos celebrates scoring against Faroe Islands in their Euro 2020 qualifier on June 7, 2019© Reuters

"A year ago I made a decision (to retire from international football). If the circumstances arise (over a possible return), who knows? Everyone knows what it means for me to represent my country. If the circumstances change, why not?" the defender said on Wednesday.

De la Fuente was asked about Ramos's comments during his press conference to preview Friday's Euro 2024 qualification match against Georgia.

The head coach said that he will always "pick the best squad" and refused to rule out a return for Ramos when directly asked about him on Thursday.

"I try to pick the best squad at all times. I'm focusing on the Georgia game for now. I don't know what will happen after Tuesday (vs Cyprus). I will assess things again in October," De la Fuente said.

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring with Lamine Yamal on August 27, 2023© Reuters

Spain will also take on Cyprus in a Euro 2024 qualifier next week, and there is pressure on La Roja to pick up two positive results, having lost 2-0 to Scotland in their last match in Group A.

Lamine Yamal would become the youngest Spain player ever if he features against either Georgia or Cyprus, and De la Fuente also discussed Barcelona's 16-year-old attacker during his press conference.

"Lamine Yamal seemed very good to me, watching him on TV. But now that I'm working with him, I think he's much better," he told reporters.

"Currently, he's a very important player for us, he's here on his own merit. I have total confidence in him. I think he's a great player."

The attacker will be 16 years and 57 days old when Spain face Georgia, and he is bidding to beat the record currently held by club teammate Gavi.

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1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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