With Real Madrid on the cusp of history, Sergio Ramos was keen to remind everyone that the club are highly motivated as they aim for their third Champions League title in succession.
No team since Bayern Munich in the 1970s has won three European Cups in succession, though as Ramos told reporters in his pre-match press conference, Madrid are keen to defend their title.
You have won everything? What motives you?
“Well that’s easy, when you find yourself in a place like this we are highly motivated, we have great spirit pride and hunger for more success. To be in another Champions League final, we want to defend our title and create history.
You always have to play against a fashionable club? Are you hurt people value your rivals more?
“We have felt a little hurt, but when your rival is highlighted and you win, it gives the victory more value. We have to be realistic. We have beaten Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG. It has been hard and as Marcelo said they are more than just three attackers, they know how to suffer, they never give up, and have a great coach. It isn’t really lack of respect when people don’t value us, we shut our ears and get on with our job.
How is this team different from past?
“The key is our hunger and ambition. We have a great team who are all pulling in the same direction, without any egos. We have known for many years what the objectives are, and we know we are all important to making them happen.
Which is the most memorable final?
“To be frank, we like to hit the reset button each year. The match tomorrow will be the ‘first’ final. We don’t want to look back, tomorrow we want to enjoy the moment, and another final is marvellous.
Real Madrid fans handed back tickets, what do you think about that?
“Ukraine is dear to me as we because I became a European champion with Spain here. As the coach said, there are fans who haven’t been able to come, but those who are here will give us support and, sometimes it is more complicated to get to some countries than others. I’m sure some fans would have loved to have had somewhere closer for those who don’t have a high salary to pay for flights and hotels, which maybe could have been taken into account, but if this final helps Ukraine, then that is also good.
Is Salah as good as Ronaldo?
“Messi and Ronaldo are in another orbit, there are some players who are there briefly, there are others who are only there for a time then become good players. He has a good opportunity of continuing like this for many years.
