ANKARA
Veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos spoke about the FIFA Club World Cup, set to be held this summer in the US, and Mexican football.
Ramos praised the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup, telling FIFA’s official website: “It’s a great opportunity for each of us to showcase our level, not just individually but also as a team.”
Noting that he finds the decision to organize the FIFA Club World Cup in the US wise, the 39-year-old said that interest in football in the US and Mexico is increasing day by day.
“I think it’s a wise decision. It’s all about getting the American world to learn a bit more about that passion for football. Because in Europe, perhaps, we have a little bit more passion for it. But in the United States, with the number of people there maybe or, I don’t know, American football, the NBA and lots of other sports, football perhaps hasn’t had the impact that it has had in our countries.”
Stating that they expect support from the Mexican fans in Los Angeles, Ramos said: “Well for us, it’s a very positive thing, right? Knowing that Los Angeles also has a large number of Mexicans and many of our supporters. I think it’s essential to feel the love, the warmth, the support of our fans in those moments. It’ll be very important, regardless of the fact that we’re playing away from home.”
Ramos said it would be an incredible achievement for Monterrey to win the cup.
He said that everything is possible in football.
“Well, the goal is to compete head-to-head with any opponent, right? I think in the end, there’s something that’s non-negotiable: your attitude. In football, the smallest detail can change many things, but something that should never be in doubt is your commitment, your effort and your dedication.”
“The other day, when (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino presented the new trophy with (US President Donald) Trump, the truth is, it’s a beautiful trophy. And in the end, that’s also part of the motivation that brought me to Mexico, that brought me here, because it opened up the opportunity to play in new competitions,” he added.
