Ramos surprised by Casillas exclusion from Spain squad
Spain defender Sergio Ramos was surprised to learn that the country’s record appearance maker and long-time captain Iker Casillas had been left out of the Spain squad by coach Julen Lopetegui.
The Spain players met up with their new manager for the first time yesterday to prepare for the international friendly in Belgium on September 1 and their opening World Cup qualifier at home to Liechtenstein on September 5.
Casillas was the most high-profile absence from Lopetegui’s squad announcement since succeeding Vicente del Bosque, although Pedro Rodriguez and Cesc Fabregas, who won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, were also excluded.
“We were all surprised by the absence of Casillas because he is a historic player, not just in Spanish football but on a global level,” Ramos told reporters yesterday at Spain’s Las Rozas training base.
“It’s odd to come here and not see Casillas but it’s a decision he took with the new coach. I can’t speak for him, all I can do is respect the decision they have taken.”
Ramos met with Lopetegui last week.
“I didn’t know him but I’ve got a good first impression and we’re going to work together to achieve the objectives we have ahead,” said Ramos,...