Carlo Ancelotti expressed his admiration for legendary defender Sergio Ramos ahead of their reunion in Real Madrid’s trip to Sevilla on Saturday.
Ramos spent 16 years at Madrid, two of which were spent under the Italian’s guardianship, and returned to his former side Sevilla in the summer transfer window. Sevilla will host Ancelotti’s Madrid in La Liga this weekend and the home team’s vice-president has already speculated on whether or not Ramos will celebrate if he scores in the game.
Ramos helped fire Madrid to Champions League success under Ancelotti in 2014. It was the veteran defender who scored a 93rd minute goal to pull his side level in the final against Atletico Madrid, allowing them to go on to win 4-1 after extra-time.
Ancelotti says he owes his current job to the 37-year-old and is looking forward to seeing him again.
“No, I love to see him, to greet him because obviously I have a special affection for him,” Ancelotti told reporters. “If I’m here today it’s above all because of Sergio Ramos. If he didn’t score the goal in the final I probably wouldn’t be here. For this and for everything he has done for this club, everyone is very fond of him, especially me in particular. I’m sure he’s going to have a great game and then if he scores a goal, hopefully not, he can do whatever he wants.”
Madrid hope to preserve their lead at the top of La Liga with a win against Sevilla, who sit 14th in the table and have not won in their last three games in all competitions.