Sergio Ramos would have preferred Paris Saint-Germain to have avoided Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League but conceded I have to face the present .
The Los Blancos legend spent 16 trophy-laden years in the Spanish capital, where he won five LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues among his plethora of honours.
Centre-back Ramos made the switch to Ligue 1 with powerhouses PSG ahead of the 2021-22 season after Madrid opted not to offer him a new contract.
In a twist of fate, Ramos new side were paired to do battle with his former club, but only after a re-draw was needed following a technical glitch with the first attempt.
Speaking at the opening of his new gym in Madrid, Ramos opened up about the prospect of coming up a club so close to his heart.
Fate is very unpredictable. I d have liked us to draw another team, but that s how it is, Ramos said.
You know the affection and love I have for Real Madrid, that won t ever change. Now I have to face the present. I play for PSG.
It s a mixture of feelings. I d have liked not to have had this tie, but on the other hand coming home to the Bernabeu, I had the best years of my life here and not having had a goodbye because of COVID, it s gratifying.
I d have liked it to be another way but that s football. I have to defend my team. I ll go to the death with PSG.
