Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 9y

Sergio Ramos admits he played Club World Cup final with torn muscle

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos admitted he had played despite having a torn muscle in his thigh while scoring the opening goal and winning the player of the tournament award in Saturday's 2-0 Club World Cup final win over San Lorenzo of Argentina.

Ramos was also on the scoresheet in Tuesday's 4-0 semifinal win over Mexican Club Cruz Azul, later being forced from the pitch with the thigh problem. He admitted at the pre-game news conference that he was not sure he would be able to play the final, and was a doubt right up until kick-off time.

But the Spain international started the game and again opened the scoring by heading a Toni Kroos corner to the net. Speaking afterwards on Telecinco from the pitch at Le Grand Stade de Marrakech after the game he admitted that the injury was still there, but it had been worth taking the risk to play.

"Being honest I risked a lot to play," Ramos said. "There was a risk of worsening the injury. I had a little tear, but fortunately it has not got any worse. It was worth it."

Ramos also scored key goals in both the semifinal and final as Madrid won last year's Champions League trophy, which qualified Los Blancos to be Europe's representatives in the FIFA competition. The former Sevilla player said he was happy with his contribution to this year's club success, while dedicating the win to Real players worldwide.

"On a personal level I am very happy," he said. "I try and give my best and I have contributed with goals. We have won a trophy that we have not won for a long while. This is for madridismo and for my family.

"It is a special day for the club's fans. This is the fruit of the efforts and of having won the Champions League last season. We dedicate it to all madridismo."

The 28-year-old, who has now already won every big team trophy available with club and country, said he was happy to have again been among the goals, but mainly this was about the team winning another prize.

"When you have the good fortune to score, you feel a little bit better," Ramos said. "But above all the success is for the collective work of the team. From the start we had that very clear."

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