Evergreen Ramos set for Spain record

– Sergio Ramos (right) is set to overtake Iker Casillas and become his country’s mostcapped player with his 168th international appearance today as Spain take on Denmark hoping to secure a place at Euro 2020.

The 33-year-old first took the field for Spain as a callow teen against China in 2005, a 3-0 win that featured goals from Fernando Torres and Xavi Hernandez – as well as Joaquin. He remains in the national side as one of the last survivors of a golden era that delivered a World Cup and two European Championships.

Ramos replaced Casillas as captain of his country in 2016. He intends to play for many years yet, saying that “statistics are there to beat” when he equalled the goalkeeper’s record of 167 caps last month.

“Sergio Ramos wants to play until he’s 40 and I think he’ll get there because he’s amazing, in every way,” Spain coach Robert Moreno said last week.

“We can only say great things about Sergio. His attitude has always been impeccable.”

When Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique followed Xavi and

Madrid

called time on their Spain careers in 2018, they left Ramos as a bridge to the past, his array of trophies providing a base of experience from which the next generation might flourish.

Since also replacing Casillas as Real Madrid captain in 2015 Ramos has piled up Champions League triumphs, but he is yet to preside over similar success as ‘La Roja’ leader.

Spain were knocked out of Euro 2016 in the last-16 by Italy. They then suffered the humiliation of losing to unfancied hosts Russia on penalties at the World Cup two years later.

However, his place in Spanish football history is secure and he is considered a leader by his fellow Spain internationals.

“He has an aura and he is an example to follow”, said Spain midfielder Pablo Sarabia, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and came through as a youngster under Ramos at Real Madrid.

Moreno’s men have been impeccable in Euro qualifying. They lead Group F with a perfect 18 points. –