COMMENT: In the end, it may've cost him his last chance of a new Real Madrid contract, but for his career - and that final big payday - taking the surgery option appears the best move Sergio Ramos could've made...
He was back on the Valdebebas training pitch this week. First on his own, then joining his teammates. The Real captain now clear to start individual drills after going under the knife to clear up a knee strain. But as welcome as the sight is of having Ramos near a playing return, there remains plenty of resentment inside the board room over the original decision.
"Selfish", is how one director described Ramos' move upon learning he'd opted for surgery. The decision and his predicted six week absence coming in the middle of a crisis for his teammates and tension with the board over new contract negotiations. That Zinedine Zidane and his players - in their captain's absence - have managed to get their campaign back on track hasn't been lost on those skeptics inside the board room. Nor what occurred at Barcelona around a similar choice facing their key defender...
For while Ramos chose to go the surgery route, Gerard Pique refused the option. The Barca veteran went against medical advice, knowing a knee op could well end his season. Instead, he chose the rehab route and found a way to get back on the pitch in time for that dramatic Copa del Rey semifinal triumph against Sevilla. A triumph which included a goal from Pique which helped spark the Catalans' stunning fight-back.
Watching on was Real's directors, including president Florentino Perez, who remains open to Ramos staying - but not on the captain's terms. Significantly, talks between Florentino and Ramos' brother and agent, Rene, haven't been held since the veteran made clear he'd be stepping away and undergoing surgery. Florentino isn't as upset as some of his fellow powerbrokers, though is now less inclined to challenge those lobbying for Ramos' release.
But a deal does remain on the table: One-year for the 34 year-old, with the option of another 12 months - and on less terms than his current contract. Age, Spanish football's stadium lockouts and club policy regarding over-30s... they've all combined to leave Ramos frustrated and upset. And while in the past he could use rival interest to shake up negotiations and get Florentino closer to what he'd be demanding, this time around, he's found his president difficult to budge.
Ramos and Florentino together after winning the Supercopa de Espana last year
Indeed, the upset from the Ramos camp isn't only connected to Florentino's reluctance to negotiate, but also his interest in bringing either PSG striker Kylian Mbappe or Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland to Madrid this summer. Even Zidane's request regarding a fresh attempt for Paul Pogba, after last year's stonewalling by Manchester United, has been given more consideration than the contract requests of his captain. The stand leading to Ramos, via a third party, to make his feelings known.
"They say there is no money," a Ramos confidant complained to L'Equipe. "But they plan to spend 150 million euros to buy Mbappé next summer and offer him a salary of €20m."
The source, from France, is significant. And this is where it gets interesting. PSG, Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been mentioned as potential destinations for Ramos. But also, all would have their reasons not to take Rene's call.
Liverpool, with the locker room's antagonism towards Ramos, is an unlikely suitor. His clash with Mohamed Salah in Kyiv during the 2018 Champions League final still burns. Tottenham, where Jose Mourinho is now in charge, also - out of loyalty to their manager - is another sure to give Ramos a swerve. It must be remembered that it was the Real captain who not only lobbied for Mourinho's original sacking by Florentino, but also was dead against his return two seasons ago as Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari struggled with the job.
Manchester United have also been mentioned. But again, this could be another flyer. Ed Woodward still struggles to live down being played by the Ramos brothers back in 2015, as United's interest was used to drive up terms from Florentino's end of the table. And even PSG may be reluctant with Mauricio Pochettino now in charge. The Argentine isn't one for working with big name veteran players and if a deal hinged on his word, it's unlikely he'd approve.
All of which could leave Ramos having to accept what's now on the table. At least that's the belief of Florentino and his board. There'll be little wriggle room, if any, once talks resume. Stories will be placed in the press about big money offers - and from the biggest clubs. But no serious suitor is going to seek a pre-contract agreement with a 34 year-old who has just undergone surgery - and yet to show whether he can get back to his best. Not until he proves himself back on the pitch will those clubs with the means to tempt Ramos be prepared to put something concrete down.
Which could all lead to the original motivation behind this surgery call. It wasn't part of the plan, but being fully fit for the Euros now goes beyond helping Luis Enrique drive a competitive Spain squad deep into the tournament. The competition could well offer Ramos a shop window to secure that final, big payday. A successful campaign from the veteran, with the backing of the local Madrid press, may even force Florentino to rethink the terms he's tabled.
The reality, for now, is that Ramos must accept the wage reduction that's in front of him. He's burned too many bridges to threaten to walk away from the table. There's nothing, for now, waiting for him beyond Madrid.
But his one shot is the Euros and the chance - as a free agent - to showcase that he still has plenty to offer. It may've cost him friends inside the board room, but taking the surgery operation and being fit and fresh for Spain could be the last best career decision Sergio Ramos has made.
