Sergio Ramos has hit back at Diego Maradona and Carlos Queiroz following their comments about the Spanish defender. Carlos Queiroz stopped on the way out of the Kazan Arena and embraced Sergio Ramos before continuing towards the bus, which was still parked at one end. As the Iran manager departed, the Spain captain gave a knowing look, while someone spluttered: “And now he hugs you!” That drew an ironic smile. “At half-time he gave me a hug too and asked me how I am, we have a good relationship, so that’s why it surprises me that he then says things,” Ramos replied. “Like Diego Maradona, the things he says don’t make any sense.”
Maradona had praised Diego Godín, suggesting that while Ramos gets more attention the real star is the Uruguayan. Ramos, he said, is not a “crack”. Asked about those comments now, Ramos replied: “Maradona is a great, he is a crack and I respect him so I’m not going judge his personal opinion. I think he is a crack but Argentinian football knows that Maradona is light years behind the best Argentinian player – who for me is Leo Messi.”