Sergio Ramos sends pointed message to Spain after Achraf Hakimi World Cup 'joke'

Mirror

It was Achraf Hakimi’s spot kick for Morocco which sealed Spain’s defeat in the penalty shootout, with the wing-back celebrating the goal with a penguin celebration. As outlined by Marca, this is a private joke shared by Hakimi and Ramos for Kylian Mbappe – whom they nicknamed ‘the penguin’.

Ramos has spoken about Spain’s elimination in an Instagram post, which can be read as a rallying call to disappointed fans. As he selected a picture of him playing for Spain, rather than of the players from this tournament, it may also be seen as a suggestion that he is desperate to return to the international stage.

“Today more than ever, proud of our flag, proud of our country and proud of our players,” Ramos wrote, alongside a photo of him in the kit of the Spanish national team. “Spain does not lose, Spain learns. Spain falls, stumbles, but gets up and continues to lead. We will come back and come back stronger. Let’s go Spain!”