"I’m Not Here for a Vacation in Mexico"

"I'm not here for a vacation in Mexico. I’m someone who never gets tired of winning in soccer and doesn’t live in the past. I’m not here to wave a flag with my achievements. I’m looking for trophies and new opportunities," the 38-year-old player stated in a press conference ahead of his official presentation with the Monterrey club.

A Commitment to Monterrey

Sergio Ramos, a World Cup champion with Spain in South Africa 2010, a two-time European champion in 2008 and 2012, and a four-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, emphasized: "My record speaks for itself, but I’m here to bring my best version. Coming from so far away shows my commitment and ambition. I want to keep winning."

Ramos revealed that he received several offers over the past eight months, but it was Monterrey that convinced him because it offers the stability and opportunities he needs at this stage of his career.

"Only Monterrey met the requirements I was looking for. It's a club with strong values and the ambition to be the biggest. There's also the chance to compete in multiple tournaments," he highlighted, referring to Rayados' participation not only in the domestic league but also in the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

A Defensive Leader

Although he has scored 117 goals at the club level and 23 with the Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos arrives at Rayados to become the leader of the defense—an area that has been the team's weak point in the current Clausura tournament, where they sit in 12th place with 10 goals conceded in six matches.
"I don’t want to take all the pressure, but my experience and contributions will surely be an advantage. I love challenges, and I know about Rayados' rivalry with Tigres UANL and América, but it’s time for the trophies to change display cases," the defender said.

Sergio Ramos’ Legacy

Sergio Ramos arrived in Monterrey on Saturday night, where he was welcomed by a large crowd of fans both at the airport and at his hotel.
On Sunday, Ramos emphasized that attitude is non-negotiable and assured that his commitment will be total: "I remain loyal to soccer. I don’t know how to live any other way than giving my all 24 hours a day. I prefer to speak on the field rather than off it."
Ramos stated that he is in good physical shape but will need two to three weeks to adapt to his teammates and the playing style of Argentine coach Martín Demichelis.

A Special Number: 93

Ramos will wear the number 93 at Monterrey in honor of the minute in which he scored the equalizer for Real Madrid against Atlético de Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final, a match that ended in a 4-1 victory for the Madrid club in extra time.
"That was my most epic moment. It’s an honor to set aside the number four and bring out 93—something sentimental for me," he stated.

A Historic Signing

The president of Rayados de Monterrey, José Antonio Noriega, and sporting director Héctor Lara presented Sergio Ramos with his jersey before he stepped onto the club’s stadium field, where tens of thousands of fans cheered him.
This signing is considered one of the most significant in Mexican soccer history, where other legendary players such as Portuguese great Eusebio, Brazilians Bebeto, Dani Alves, and Ronaldinho, as well as Spaniards Emilio Butragueño and Pep Guardiola, have also played.