Jacobo Ramon talks Real Madrid exit, Fabregas, Alonso, Arbeloa, Raul, Ancelotti, Militao | OneFootball

Jacobo Ramon’s decision to leave Real Madrid last summer and start a new chapter in Italy surprised many who had followed his steady rise through La Fabrica. 

The young centre-back, just 20 years old, opted for Como in a €2.5 million transfer that included a significant 50% sell-on clause and three buy-back options for Madrid. 

Now settled into life in Serie A, Ramon has opened up about the key moment that pushed him towards the move: a personal phone call from Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking to EFE (h/t Mundo Deportivo), the defender, currently being monitored by Real Madrid, was asked why he chose Como over staying in familiar surroundings in Spain. 

“The sporting project really appealed to me. There were a lot of Spanish people there, which makes it easier to adapt. 

“Cesc also called me, told me what he saw in me, and all that made me sign for Como.”

Conversation with Fabregas

Ramon went into more detail about that decisive conversation with Fabregas, who now plays a central role in shaping Como’s project. 

“He explained how I would fit into his system, the idea he had for me, the team’s project… all that convinced me, and I couldn’t be happier to be here.”

Despite spending his entire life in Madrid until this move, the young defender insists he hasn’t struggled with the transition.

“I’m very happy at Como. I didn’t expect to be so happy after spending my whole life in Madrid. I’m very happy to be here.”

Early days at Real Madrid

Jacobo Ramon has played under Alonso, Arbeloa, Raul and Ancelotti at Real Madrid. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Ramon also reflected on his early days in Real Madrid’s academy, where he played under Xabi Alonso during the 2018–19 season. 

“It was very impressive because we were kids and we saw that Xabi Alonso was going to be our coach. It was exciting. 

“I remember it as a very nice year, in which we won a lot of things. You could already see that Xabi had what it takes to be a coach.”

The young centre-back went on to speak highly of Alvaro Arbeloa, another coach who guided him during his development. 

“I started to stand out in Arbeloa’s Juvenil A team. He gave me a lot of confidence. 

“We were a group of kids who had a good time and didn’t play badly. Arbeloa is a very good coach. 

“I really like his style of play and he is going to go far in football. He has an offensive style and puts a lot of pressure on the opposition.”

He shared similar admiration for Raul Gonzalez, who coached him at Castilla. Introducing that praise, Ramon reflected, 

“I was young and didn’t get to see him much in person, but I’ve seen videos of him, and I only have good things to say about him as a coach. 

“His method was different from Arbeloa’s but just as effective. And I improved a lot under Raul.”

On Ancelotti’s defence

One of the most meaningful moments of his young career came when Carlo Ancelotti defended him publicly after a tough debut. 

Adding context to that memory, Ramon recalled the incident and then said, “It was a penalty for handball, a bit of bad luck. But that’s football. 

“These things happen. I have very fond memories of that day. And as for Ancelotti, I’m very grateful for what he said at the press conference because he defended me. 

“And we ended up winning the game, which is what matters.”

Looking ahead

Ramon looks upto Eder Militao. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Now focused on establishing himself in Serie A, Ramon outlined his personal objectives for the season. Before sharing his goals, he said, 

“I wanted to get playing time in the top flight, to mature as a football player. Playing time at the highest level, and I’m very happy with my choice. 

“Now I want to enjoy my time at Como and get as high as possible.”

The defender also highlighted Eder Militao as the centre-back he studies most closely. Explaining the reason behind that admiration, he then said, 

“I saw him up close, so I pay more attention to him. I really like Militao. I was very impressed with him, in training and now playing, flying from one crossbar to the other. 

“He has returned to an impressive level. For me, he has everything. Ball control, ball movement, physically he’s a powerhouse, very fast. He has it all,” he concluded.