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Finally, Sergio Ramos Qatar 2022 World Cup fate sealed

Published

4 years ago

November 11, 2022

Spain boss Luis Enrique has finally named his 26-man squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, with Paris Saint-Germain’s and former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos having no place in the team.

National Daily gathered that Ramos, 36, who was part of the Spain squad which won the World Cup in 2010 had been hoping to make an appearance at his fifth tournament, but has despite his pleas with boss Enrique missed the selection for the trip to Qatar.

“Everyone knows what playing for Spain means to me,” Ramos said last week.

“I feel good, I’m available, but it’s a decision that doesn’t depend on me, it depends on the coach.

“I respect him a lot. I can only continue playing and waiting. I hope to have the opportunity to participate in a new World Cup.”

Enrique rejected those pleas though, and has named a largely young group for the tournament.

Speaking after revealing his squad, Enrique said: “I’m not going to change to get to the World Cup. This is Luis Enrique’s team. We’re not going to die of fear. There’s no doubt about what you’re going to see in Spain.

“These are our qualities. Then the result, it is impossible to predict. It is the vision that we will see in Qatar and it is practically impossible to predict if that will be enough for us.”

Similarly, Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara also misses out having suffered fitness issues this season, while Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is also not included.

National Daily had previously reported that Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was not even considered for Spain’s provisional squad, but Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Brentford’s David Raya will head to Qatar.

Manchester City pair Aymeric Laporte and Rodri, and Chelsea veteran Cesar Azpilicueta are in the squad, with forwards Ferran Torres and Alvaro Morata, formerly of City and Chelsea respectively, also included.

“Is he close? Yes? No? We’ll see about this. He has played more at his club but it’s not fixed. I think it can be a great stimulus to return to a place like this, but they are doubts. clear. We will see it during the World Cup”

The full squad is:

GOALKEEPERS: Unai Simón, Robert Sánchez, David Raya

DEFENDERS: Dani Carvajal, César Azpilicueta, Eric García, Hugo Guillamón, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Jose Gayá

MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Koke

FORWARDS: Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Yeremy Pino, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Nico Williams, Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo