Spanish defender Sergio Ramos says he's in Mexico to win more trophies

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The chance to win more trophies and play at the next edition of the FIFA Club World Cup convinced Spanish defender Sergio Ramos to sign a one-year deal with Monterrey of Liga MX in Mexico.

Ramos, who will turn 39 in March, was introduced by the club on Sunday.

“I'm not tired of winning, but I did not come here to talk about my accomplishments,” Ramos said at a press conference in Monterrey, northeastern Mexico. “I've never been here, I want to leave a legacy in Mexico, I'm not here to travel, I'm here to try to win new titles."

Commonly known as Rayados, Monterrey is one of the most economically powerful clubs in the country.

It's one of three Mexican teams that will participate in the expanded Club World Cup which is set to be played in the U.S. next summer. The other two are León and Pachuca.

As well as the domestic league, Monterrey is also competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

“This team (has) a huge growth margin, they are going to play local and international tournaments," Ramos said. “It's a good moment to make yourself noticed."

He added "it was an easy decision to take.”

Ramos, part of Spain's World Cup-winning team in 2010, has not played an official match since May of last year when he was playing for Sevilla in the Spanish league.

He's not worried about the challenge ahead.

“In soccer the age does not matter, performance matters," Ramos said. "To come here after a long career shows the hunger that I have to keep on winning.”

Ramos also won Euro 2012 with Spain and five Spanish league titles and four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, where he played for 16 seasons.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos trains with Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos trains with Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos shakes a young fan's hand during his presentation at Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

Fans take pictures of Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos during his presentation at Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos gives a press conference with Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

Spanish soccer player Sergio Ramos holds up his jersey during a press conference with Monterrey, his new soccer club, in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Jorge Mendoza)

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Paul Magnier won a bunch sprint to make it two wins out of three at this year’s Giro d’Italia, while Uruguayan cyclist Guillermo Silva remained in the overall lead on Sunday as the race prepares to return to Italy.

Magnier edged out Jonathan Milan by half a wheel, with Dyland Groenewegen millimeters behind in third. So close was the finish that Magnier initially raised his hand in celebration then immediately put it down and seemed uncertain as to whether he had actually won.

The French cyclist also claimed victory in Friday’s opening stage.

“I dreamed about it and it was the goal to go for the stage again and the team did an amazing job again,” said Magnier, who rides for Soudal Quick-Step. “And then I was not really sure to win the stage, to be honest. I celebrate and then I say ‘oh, I’m not sure’ but in the end I won, so I’m really happy.

“Now I have to say that I feel really good and I can be with the best sprinters in the world, so I will try to enjoy this moment and keep going like this with the team.”

Sunday’s third stage was a 175-kilometer route from Plovdiv — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe — to the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Diego Pablo Sevilla, Alessandro Tonelli and Manuele Tarozzi attacked from the start and it appeared as if the three-man breakaway was going to contest the finish, but they were mopped up with the line in sight.

It was the third and final stage in Bulgaria before Monday’s rest day as the Giro moves to Italy. Tuesday’s fourth stage is a 138-kilometer route from Catanzaro, in the foot of Italy, to Cosenza.

Silva, who on Saturday became the first Uruguayan to win a Giro stage and lead the race, will wear the maglia rosa.

The 24-year-old Silva, who rides for XDS Astana, is four seconds ahead of German rider Florian Stork and Italian climbing specialist Giulio Ciccone.

“The team is extremely supportive and wanted me to keep this jersey going into the rest day. So we’re going to enjoy it,” Silva said.

“Today was just unbelievable. Every moment, people were looking at me and I still can’t quite believe it. We’ll try to hold onto it (the leader's jersey) for as long as possible and it’s very nice to carry it to Italy.”

The 109th men’s Giro ends on May 31 in Rome.

The women’s Giro runs from May 30-June 7 with Italian rider Elisa Longo Borghini as the defending champion.

AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling

France's Paul Magnier wins the third stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, from Plovdiv to Sofia, Bulgaria, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Massimo Paolone /LaPresse via AP)

France's Paul Magnier, center, wins the third stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, from Plovdiv to Sofia, Bulgaria, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Massimo Paolone /LaPresse via AP)

France's Paul Magnier wins the third stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, from Plovdiv to Sofia, Bulgaria, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Gian Mattia d'Alberto/LaPresse via AP)

The pack rides during the third stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race, from Plovdiv to Sofia, Bulgaria, Sunday, May 10, 2026. (Fabio Ferrari/LaPresse via AP)