Sergio Ramos Explains Why He Rejected Offers to Join Ronaldo in Saudi and Messi in the MLS

• Sergio Ramos has opened up on his return to Sevilla
• The Spanish defender had other lucrative offers
• He had options to join the Saudi League or MLS

Sergio Ramos has shed light on the reason behind his decision to turn down lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and the Major League Soccer (MLS) with Lionel Messi.

Despite being presented with tempting opportunities after his contract with PSG expired last summer, the experienced Spanish defender chose to return to his roots at Sevilla.

While Ramos had the option to join his former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia or follow Messi, also his ex-clubmate at PSG, to the MLS, the 37-year-old opted for a sentimental reunion with his boyhood club.

This decision surprised many, considering the substantial financial incentives offered to players of his calibre, especially in leagues like the Saudi League.

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Ramos rejects Ronaldo's Saudi, Messi's MLS

Ronaldo's move to the Gulf country had triggered a wave of high-profile signings, but Ramos had different plans.

Similarly, although Messi's venture to the MLS might have influenced others, the 2010 World Cup winner remained steadfast in his choice to rejoin Sevilla, where he started his professional career 18 years ago.

Since reuniting with the Andalusian club, Ramos has been a key figure, making 26 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt, including facing his beloved Real Madrid twice in La Liga.

Reflecting on his decision to stay in Europe and compete in top-tier football, the Spaniard emphasised the importance of personal fulfilment and the allure of returning to familiar surroundings.

"I have never been driven by money. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know me," he said, as quoted by Euro Foot.

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"That's why it didn’t make sense for me to leave for [Saudi] Arabia now, or go to the MLS, or to go anywhere else but Sevilla."

Ramos opens up on failed United move

Sports Brief also reported on Sergio Ramos' near move to Manchester United a few years ago, with his father being a devoted fan of the English club.

Following the departure of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in 2014, Ramos was reportedly identified as the ideal candidate to bolster United's defence.

In the summer of 2015, reports suggested that Manchester United tabled a bid of £28.6 million for the Spanish centre-back, but ultimately, a transfer agreement failed to materialise.