Ramos wants Barcelona to stay in La Liga amid Catalonia fight for independence

The prospect of the Catalan side leaving the Spanish top flight has been raised, but the Spain defender hopes there is no change

Sergio Ramos hopes will remain in amid Catalonia fight for independence.

Barca's future in the Spanish top flight has become the subject of speculation as the region continues to push for autonomy.

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The possibility of the Camp Nou outfit leaving La Liga should independence be granted has been raised, and it is unknown if the club will be allowed to play in the division.

The Catalan side are currently eight points clear at the top after lost 2-1 to Catalan side on Sunday, days after they declared independence only for the Spanish senate to grant direct rule to Madrid.

Still, Ramos hopes the Blaugrana can remain as part of the national league and insists the issue of a lack of words in 's national anthem should be a bigger priority.

"It's complicated," he told Marca. "I find it hard to believe that the majority want independence and I prefer that Barcelona play in our league.

"On Sunday [against Girona] I felt just as much Spanish as anywhere else. I am more concerned as a Spaniard that our anthem has no lyrics than about the situation in Catalonia. I want our hymn to have lyrics because I feel the healthy envy of seeing other national teams looking up while singing their anthems.

"What I can say or do about it will not change anything. The image of Spain as a country worldwide hurts me as I am Spanish. I do not like this kind of thing to happen, I believe that together we are stronger."

The 31-year-old discussed his own future, too. The Spain international is contracted to Madrid until 2020, but is expected to pen a new deal in the near future.

Although he insists he is in no hurry to commit further, he says he will not hesitate if he receives an offer from the capital club.

He added: "It's something that has been raised, but it does not bother me. I have three years of my current contract and as long as I continue waking up with enthusiasm there will be no problems with the president. The agreement will be made in two minutes."