The Real Madrid defender claims the side’s detractors would do well to remember la Roja’s incredible successes in recent years

Sergio Ramos has hit back at recent criticism of Spain’s performances, insisting fans should take their achievements of recent years into account.

The world and European Champions have come under scrutiny from their own fans for a perceived lack of attacking intent following recent performances, and the Real Madrid defender has hit back at detractors, insisting their phenomenal success from 2008 onwards should not be forgotten.

“We respect the criticism, but it hurts that some of the fans criticise you after what you’ve done,” the defender told reporters.

Vicente del Bosque’s side overcame France 1-0 at Stade de France on Tuesday to leapfrog les Bleus at the top of Group I in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and Ramos feels his side deserve plenty of credit for securing maximum points in Paris.

“We are excited for the result of this match,” he went on. “We should be given a lot of credit in a game where there is a very small margin for error. We were in a delicate situation and we have learned to react.

“We played a measured game against a great France team. We have done have well, we tightened up defensively after the goal.”