Sergio Ramos has moved to defend his reputation after a proposed investment deal to purchase his boyhood club Sevilla fell through at the final stage, amid accusations of impropriety surrounding the failed takeover.
The former Spain international, who came through Sevilla’s academy before establishing himself as one of football’s greatest defenders during a glittering 16-year spell at Real Madrid, was representing an investment group that had been in advanced negotiations to acquire the Andalusian club.
However, the deal sensationally collapsed at the eleventh hour, prompting criticism and suggestions of wrongdoing from some quarters. Ramos has now publicly rejected these claims, denying any suggestion that the failed transaction was anything other than a legitimate business proposal that ultimately could not be completed.
The 38-year-old centre-back, who won the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain alongside four Champions League titles with Madrid, has always maintained a strong emotional connection to Sevilla, where his professional career began before his €27 million move to the capital in 2005.
