"I think our fans are proud of how we defended the shirt"

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos said on Tuesday that he regrets Monterrey's elimination from the Club World Cup, but that everyone in the squad is taking it in their stride for having given their best.

"We leave with a clear conscience for having played well. There are times in football when things don't go the way you want them to. It's a shame to leave a Club World Cup, a competition, although we feel proud and I think our fans are proud too of how we defended the shirt" he said.

Monterrey were beaten 2-1 by Borussia Dortmund in the last 16. The Germans took a two-goal lead with a brace from Serhou Guirassy, but the Mexicans did not panic, pulled one back with a goal from Argentinian German Berterame and put the pressure on at times.

"We ended up leaving this competition, but it will help us to continue growing as a team in the future, we are leaving with our heads held high," he reiterated.

Ramos signed for Rayados at the beginning of this year and since then has been the leader of the team, one of the most economically powerful in Mexico. Speaking about the country's football, based on his experience, he highlighted the league's upward trend.

"Mexican football is growing. There is talent and as I have said on other occasions, very comparable to the big leagues, although it is in a process," he said.

Spanish coach Domenec Torrent made his debut on the Monterrey bench at the Club World Cup and with the new tactician they will try to win the Apertura 2025 tournament, which starts on 11th July.