TheCable

Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid defender, has been left out of Spain’s 24-man squad for the upcoming European Championship tournament.

Luis Enrique, Spain manager, left out the 35-year-old who has played only once in the last three months due to injury struggles.

His exclusion means no Real Madrid player will play for Spain in the tournament.

Enrique, a former Barcelona manager, said Ramos’ exclusion was a “very difficult decision”.

“It was a very difficult decision but he has not been able to play this season and has hardly trained since January,” he said.

“I called him yesterday [Sunday], it was hard, difficult.

“I feel bad because he is very professional and he helps the national team a lot. And he can still help it in the future. But I have to look for the best for the squad.”

Ramos, who last played as a substitute for his country in March, said he was “hurt” but would be “cheering on from home”.

“I have fought and worked every day, in body and soul, to be able to reach 100% for Real Madrid and the national team but things don’t always work out the way we’d like,” he said

“It pains me not to have been able to help my team more and not to play for Spain but, in this case, the best thing to do is rest, fully recover and come back next year like we’ve always done.”

Enrique selected 10 players from the English Premier League, including Aymeric Laporte, the Manchester City defender who recently switched allegiance from France to Spain.

The European Championship, delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, will take place from June 11 to July 11.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David de Gea (Manchester United), Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

Defenders: Jose Gaya (Valencia), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City), Eric Garcia (Manchester City), Diego Llorente (Leeds), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona), Thiago Alcantara (Liverpool), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Ruiz (Napoli), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Gerard Moreno (Villarreal), Ferran Torres (Manchester City), Adama Traore (Wolves), Pablo Sarabia (Paris St-Germain)