 |
|
Spain: Sevilla president feels heat after Ramos joins Real Madrid [Fri Sep 2nd, 2005]
Madrid (Reuters) - Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido is feeling the heat from club supporters following the sale of defender Sergio Ramos to Real Madrid.
"I have been vilified in the past 48 hours. I feel as though I have been attacked personally and professionally," Del Nido told a news conference.
"Sevilla stood firm that they would not negotiate to sell Ramos. Anyone who says we did is lying.
"We said the only way the player could leave would be if he rescinded the contract unilaterally and the buying club paid (the buy-out clause) in cash. By doing this I have kept my word to the club's fans."
Sevilla, who are in their centenary year, have lost two of their key players to Real during the close season along with coach Joaquin Caparros, who left to join Deportivo La Coruna.
Under Caparros Sevilla finished sixth last season, earning a second successive place in the UEFA Cup.
Brazilian forward Julio Baptista, Sevilla's top scorer over the last two seasons, and the promising young defender Ramos will earn the club up to 51.5 million euros (US$63.76 million).
As replacements new coach Juande Ramos has been able to recruit Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano, Mali striker Frederic Kanoute and Argentina striker Javier Saviola on loan.
Sevilla kick off their centenary celebrations with a friendly against Brazil on September 6, with Baptista making a swift return to play against his former club.
News headlines from around the world.