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Sergio Ramos Real Madrid 2020-21Getty Images
Chris Burton

'Age is a burden for everyone' - Ramos' exit at Real Madrid no massive shock to Capello

Real Madrid
S. Ramos
LaLiga

The former Blancos boss believes the World Cup-winning defender will be looking for guarantees of game time at 35 years of age

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Sergio Ramos' departure from Real Madrid has come as no great surprise to Fabio Capello, with the former Blancos boss pointing out that "age is a burden for everyone" as the iconic 35-year-old prepares to take on a new challenge.

A World Cup-winning defender is leaving Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent at the end of his contract, with no fresh terms thrashed out with a talismanic club captain.

Questions have been asked of whether Real are making the right decision, but Capello believes the correct call has been made by all concerned as Ramos needs to be guaranteed regular playing time in the latter stages of a distinguished career.

What has been said?

Capello, who worked with Ramos at Real in 2006-07, has told AS: "Age is a burden for everyone. I don't know if he was going to be a starter.

"I'm talking about a player who has been very important to me. And I also helped him a lot. When I signed in my second spell, he just arrived. 

Next matches
SAN

SAN

LaLiga

01 Nov 2026

RMA

RMA

"He has been fundamental in the triumphs of the team, there is no denying it. But perhaps at 35 years old it is no longer the time to demand a lot."

Ageing squad

Luka Modric Real Madrid 2020-21Getty Images

Real are looking to freshen up what has become an ageing squad, but faith will continue to be shown in experienced performers.

Luka Modric - who has signed a new contract - Toni Kroos and Casemiro fall into that category, with Capello a big fan of that midfield trident despite the obvious need to get alternative options on board.

The Italian added: "Today Madrid has the most beautiful midfield in Europe. They are the engine of the team. 

"Surely the three are not going to be able to play all the games to the fullest, they will need breaks, but I think that Madrid have a good team, yes.

"They have quality, experience. To win you also need defense and more, but midfield is the main thing. 

"I saw Modric play against the English the other day and he's another level. Kroos is also another level. Casemiro… 

"They are not kids, that's true, but for a year they can do good things and that's why I believe a lot in (Carlo) Ancelotti."

Manager change

Zinedine Zidane Real MadridGetty

Real have reappointed Ancelotti after seeing Zinedine Zidane quit a demanding managerial post for the second time, with Capello understanding of the situation that has led to a French tactician walking away.

A man who has taken in two spells at the Bernabeu himself said: "Zidane has done incredible things at Madrid. He has won it all. 

"He has made the team play very well. But it is clear that when you do not find the confidence of the people who work with you, the president, you do not like to work like that. 

"I did the same in Milan, despite results I did not feel well and I left the bench and that is how I arrived at Madrid for the first time."

Further reading

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