Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 9y

Sergio Ramos has 'extra motivation' to compete in Club World Cup final

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has suggested he may take a risk with his fitness to play in Saturday's Club World Cup final against San Lorenzo.

Ramos scored the opening goal in Tuesday's 4-0 semifinal win over Mexican club Cruz Azul, but later left the game with a thigh muscle injury.

Speaking after the game, the centre-back said he was hopeful of returning for the decider, as this was the only trophy left for him to win in his career, and there have been claims that he might risk his fitness by pushing himself to return too soon for the game at Le Grand Stade de Marrakech.

The Spain international told the pregame news conference that he was confident of being declared fit to start on Saturday.

"The truth is that each day I have made progress," Ramos said. "There is a training session today to try and see how the recovery is going. This is a final I have never had a chance to play in, so that is an extra motivation. But obviously when there is a risk it is something you take seriously."

Champions League holders Madrid come into the game on a phenomenal run of 21 straight victories in all competitions. Ramos said that he was proud to be part of such a historic achievement, however winning trophies was the most important thing for him.

"An era is marked by statistics, records but above all by trophies," he said. "The numbers are there, and of course this is a special unique moment. As well as being at the best club in the world, we are on this great run too."

Ramos declined to respond to San Lorenzo president Matias Lammens, who claimed in Marca that a strong referee would be needed for the game given the "violent" reputation of Madrid defender Pepe.

"Football is above everything like this, we will see who plays the best football, and who lifts the trophy," he said. "That is above any statement from players or directors of the clubs.

The Andalucian also revealed that he communicated in English with German midfielder Toni Kroos as the two helped to organise their team together on the pitch.

"Toni is a champion for a long time, for his personality, his quality, his touch on the ball, and how he helps the team," Ramos said. "We are always communicating on the pitch -- my English is not great, but it is enough to communicate with him. There are also gestures we can use."

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