His speech is rather rare, but his smile is unfailing. This Tuesday evening, on the eve of the clash against Juventus Turin on behalf of the 6th and last day of the group stage of the Champions League, Sergio Ramos was as sure of the microphones as he was. t has been at the heart of PSG’s defense since the start of the season. In the bowels of the Allianz Stadium, the record holder of unbeaten matches with Paris (30) then, in the wake of his coach’s speech, answered all the questions put to him with a good humor. , even allowing himself a touch of humor that says a lot about his joy at being in Paris: “Next season, I will answer in French!”
We are three weeks away from the World Cup in Qatar. A year and a half after your last selection, what percentage of chances do you give yourself of being there and what would it represent for you to participate?
SERGIO RAMOS. (he smiles) I remind you that tomorrow (Wednesday) there is a very important game for Paris. Everyone knows what it means to me to defend the colors of my country. After a difficult season, I feel good again, I’m playing again and I’m available. I still hope to return to the selection and I dream of the World Cup. But we have to wait, continue to play at the best level to convince the coach. I hope I will have the chance to play in a new World Cup
You have long embodied the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain. What does it mean today to play alongside Leo Messi. And after so much rivalry, what is the nature of your relationship?
I think everyone wants to know, our relationship arouses a lot of curiosity. But we have the same objective: to win with PSG. We want to make the team better, with our experience and good performances. My relationship with Messi is excellent. You can see it on the field. To win, we need fraternity, a good understanding. There is a great respect between the players and a good state of mind, the enemy is outside, certainly not inside the team.
Would you rather have him as an adversary or a partner?
It’s clearly better now, nobody wants to have Leo as an opponent. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s showing his performance, he’s still one of the greatest players in the world. It is a privilege to have him on our team. I see him very focused on the pitch. He probably has the World Cup in the back of his mind, but he is above all committed to being good on a daily basis.
What relationship do you have with your captain Marquinhos?
My relationship with Marquinhos is very good. Since I arrived, the relationship with all my teammates has been wonderful. Marquinhos is a top player, he is a key player for everyone. When there are difficult times, we try to manage the problems in the locker room. I do it naturally, it’s not calculated. Everyone respects the captain and I’m happy to help Marquinhos
In this new system there are now two places for three central defenders. How do you welcome it and can it affect your extension?
Playing with a defense of three or four, it depends on the coach. It is he who analyzes the adversaries. Great teams have that flexibility. I personally prefer the line of four. You have a little more balance, especially in the middle when you need possession. But with three, there is more security, it’s more reassuring. For the extension? I only think about playing at my best level. We’ll see. I am happy that PSG made an effort to sign me.
You have already played more than last year. Did you doubt last season?
Last year it was difficult. I was injured, I had to adapt after spending almost my entire career at Real. At no time did I think it was the end of my career. It was a challenge. (…) The past year is forgotten. There have been changes and I’m happy, I’m totally adapted to Paris and I’m hungry for titles. If I thought it was over, I would stay home to take care of my children. But I think I can last a few more years at the best level.