:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62391454/1071760476.jpg.0.jpg)
After a humbling 3-0 defeat to Eibar, the team with the smallest budget in La Liga and a city that only inhabits 30,000 people, Sergio Ramos spoke to reporters to discuss the controversy surrounding him. Previously reported by Managing Madrid, Football Leaks and Der Spiegel released a piece accusing Sergio Ramos of doping prior to the 2017 Champions League Final.
“That is a very difficult issue, complicated. I must come out and defend myself, with my legal team, against these allegations. I have been through 250 or 300 doping tests over my career, and never failed one, there has never been any irregularity,” Ramos commented.
“We know the type of publication this is. They threatened us with the news a month and a half ago.
“When you know the truth, you are not afraid of lies. It is an attempt to stain my image and my professional reputation.”
Shortly after the match, Ramos issued the below official statement on his website and social media accounts:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13467014/SR_Letter.jpg)
It read: “In relation to the information published about me across a number of different media outlets, I would like to clarify the following:
I am vehemently opposed to doping. I have never participated, nor will I ever participate in, nor have I consented to, nor I will ever consent to any form of doping.”
The two specific cases referred to are explained as follows:
1. Malaga, April 2018: When the matched ended, I was requested to complete an anti-doping test. Given the time pressures on the team’s return journey, the official allowed me to shower, remaining in his presence at all times, before completing the test which I passed, as in all cases.
2. Cardiff, June 2017: I received a standard medical treatment administered by the club’s medical professionals. The matter was clarified and resolved formally and in writing between the organizations.
Over the course of my long sporting career I have submitted to, and passed satisfactorily, an infinite number of anti-doping tests. Neither in this case, as UEFA and WAFA and Real Madrid have already stated, nor any other time in the past, have I breached the anti-doping regulations.
With respect to the right to information, I must also uphold my right to honor. My legal team will consider taking further action in those cases which misrepresent the truth and therefore undermine my reputation and violate my rights.”
Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid return to action against Roma during a midweek Champions League clash with the captain looking to put both the defeat and the Football Leaks controversy behind him.