Sergio Ramos - FC Bayern München v Paris Saint-Germain: Round of 16 Second Leg - UEFA Champions League
MUNICH, GERMANY - Sergio Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain reacts during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain at Allianz Arena on March 08, 2023 in Munich, Germany. Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Free agent defender Sergio Ramos is set to make an emotional return to his boyhood club, Sevilla, after signing a one-year deal with the La Liga club.

"It's a very special day, returning home is always a tremendous joy. I am happy to return and try to contribute as soon as possible, which is the important thing," the defender said.

Born in Camas, a town on the outskirts of Seville, Ramos entered Sevilla's youth academy as a ten-year-old in 1996, emerging through the ranks and making his La Liga debut with the team in 2004.

Real Madrid eventually bought Ramos in the summer of 2005, who was 19 years old at that time, for around $30 million, which was a then-record fee for a Spanish defender.

The tenacious center-back established himself as one of the greatest defenders in the sport's history with Los Blancos, winning five La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and captaining the team from 2015 to 2021.

The 37-year-old spent the last two seasons playing for French club Paris Saint-Germain.

Sergio Ramos to accept 90 percent less salary in Sevilla

Several other clubs were interested in the services of the Spaniard, including Al-Ittihad, Galatasaray, FC Porto, and some MLS teams.

Al-Ittihad notably offered him a $21.5 million annual salary to play in the oil-rich kingdom alongside former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, but Ramos opted to accept Sevilla's offer, which was $1.078 million for the 2023-24 season.