Sergio Ramos admits he is relieved to be on the same team as Lionel Messi after years of "suffering" while trying to defend against the player he believes is the greatest ever.
The legendary Spaniard, 36, had the unenviable task of trying to keep Messi, 35, quiet in many a memorable La Liga encounter. Ramos burst onto the scene with Sevilla in the mid-2000s, just as the Argentine was enjoying a meteoric rise at Barcelona.
Ramos moved to Real Madrid in 2005 and locked horns with Messi in El Clasico for 16 seasons. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is the top scorer in the iconic fixture, netting an astonishing 26 goals for Barca against Los Blancos in all competitions - and clashing with Ramos on numerous occasions.
In a remarkable twist of fate, the two greats of the 21st century were united for the first time in 2021 as they each sealed transfers to Paris Saint-Germain at the expiry of their respective contracts in Spain. Both players had underwhelming first seasons in the French capital, with Ramos struggling to stay fit and Messi unusually quiet - by his lofty standards - in front of goal.
However, they are back to their best this campaign; Ramos is flourishing in the heart of defence and Messi has plundered 13 goals and 14 assists in 22 games in all competitions. Ramos is "enjoying" playing alongside the man who used to be his arch-rival and hailed the World Cup winner as "the best player football has ever produced".
Is Sergio Ramos the greatest defender of all time? Have your say in the comments!
"There was suffering for several years playing against Messi," he told PSG TV, per GOAL. "I am now enjoying him. He is the best player football has ever produced."
PSG are expected to retain their Ligue 1 crown this season and sit five points clear at the top of the table ahead of their home fixture against Toulouse on Saturday afternoon. They are also on the charge for Coupe de France glory and put minnows Pays de Cassel to the sword with a 7-0 victory in the round of 32 in January.
However, Messi, Ramos and manager Christophe Galtier know they will be judged on how far they progress in the Champions League this season. PSG suffered a humbling defeat by Real Madrid in the last 16 last campaign and have been dealt a tricky draw against Bayern Munich this time round.
Messi won the Champions League on four occasions with Barca, while Ramos won Europe's most coveted prize the same number of times at the Santiago Bernabeu. If the duo can help PSG win their first continental crown, they will etch their names into Parc des Princes folklore.
FREE £2 shop bet in William Hill shops with this Saturday's Daily Mirror. Don't miss your chance for a free flutter on the weekend's action, valid on all sport including horse racing!
