Sergio Ramos surprise of Iker Casillas’ Spain omission

Sergio Ramos says he was “surprised” his former Real Madrid teammate Iker Casillas was not included in Spain coach Julen Lopetegui’s first squad.

Lopetegui named Manchester United’s David De Gea, Napoli’s Pepe Reina and West Ham’s Adrian San Miguel as the three goalkeepers in his selection for the upcoming games against Belgium and Liechtenstein, which meant 35-year-old Porto keeper Casillas missed out.

Casillas, Spain’s most capped player with 167 appearances, lost his place to De Gea at Euro 2016 but Ramos said he had expected him to form part of the coach’s squad.

“Everyone is surprised when such an emblematic player is not included,” the 30-year-old told reporters on Monday. “I speak a lot to Iker. He is our first captain and it’s surprising not to see him being called up, but we have to respect the coach’s decision.”

Former Porto and Spain youth-team boss Lopetegui’s arrival this summer means La Roja will have a new coach for the first time in eight years.

Luis Aragones led Spain to Euro 2008 glory when Ramos was just 22 and Vicente del Bosque took over shortly afterwards and remained at the helm until this summer, when Spain exited Euro 2016 at the round-of-16 stage.

“I’ve heard good things about Lopetegui and he seems enthusiastic to begin this new chapter with this group,” Ramos said. “The group has not changed that much. A new era begins and there is a lot of enthusiasm to do things well.”

Lopetegui’s first task is to guide Spain through a difficult 2018 World Cup qualifying group that includes Italy, who knocked out of Euro 2016.

Spain also suffered a disappointing 2014 World Cup and Ramos said: “We are looking forward to recovering that winning spirit. We have to believe in this national team.”

Ramos is one of five Real Madrid players included in the 24-man squad, with club teammate Marco Asensio also making the cut after an impressive start to the season.

“It’s great news that we have many players from Real Madrid because it means our club is doing a good job,” he said. “Hard work has its rewards. Marco Asensio is doing really well.”

Spain take on Belgium in a friendly in Brussels on Sept. 1, Lopetegui’s first game in charge, and four days later host Liechtenstein in Leon in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.