Ramos Opens Up On ‘Panenka’ Technique

Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos is adamant he does not try to offend opponents when he uses the ‘panenka’ technique for penalties.

Some thought the Spain defender was showing disrespect when he used the flamboyant method against Girona in a 4-2 Copa del Rey win last month.

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However, Ramos is adamant it is just one technique he uses to beat a keeper from the penalty spot and no offense should ever be taken from the practice.

“When Cristiano (Ronaldo) was with us, we’d always practice them,” he said to El Hormiguero. “We never lost a game when he scored from the spot and now I’ve taken on the job taking penalties. It’s a combination of execution and expression.

“I’m not trying to offend or humiliate anyone. That wasn’t my intention if anyone has felt offended. “It’s a fraction of a second when you have to decide how to ensure the ball enters and trick the keeper.

It’s about making something difficult easy. “Sometimes, the craziest ideas are the best. Occasionally you have to improvise and I wait until the very last moment to see where the keeper is moving.”