Sergio Ramos levels with Iker Casillas' for Spanish national team appearances

Gijon: Sergio Ramos equalled Iker Casillas' record of 167 international appearances for Spain on Sunday as he started their Euro 2020 qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Gijon.

The Real Madrid centre-back made his international debut 14 years ago in a friendly against China.

"It's a difficult challenge to have matched him (Casillas)," said Ramos. "It's a prize and a joy. It's years of effort."

The 33-year-old was part of the Spain sides which lifted the 2010 World Cup, Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 titles.

He took over the Spain captaincy in 2016 after goalkeeper Casillas' final match and will set a new record next month if he plays against either Norway or Sweden.

"Congratulations on those 167 matches my friend," Ramos' former Real teammate Casillas wrote on social media.

"I hope there are many more. We have experienced great moments with the Spanish team."

Ramos is now only nine caps short of the European record held by Italian stopper Gianluigi Buffon (176) and 17 adrift of Egyptian Ahmed Hassan's world record of 184.

"The statistics are there to beat," insisted Ramos. "If I thought I had fulfilled all my dreams I would have retired.

"I like to reset myself every year and come back with enthusiasm."