MEXICO CITY — After an eight-month hiatus from competitive football, renowned Spanish defender Sergio Ramos is set to reignite his career in Mexico. On the brink of his 39th birthday in March, Ramos has signed with Liga MX’s Monterrey, giving him a chance to compete in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup next year.

Ramos, who was last seen in a competitive match in May of the previous year while playing for Sevilla in Spain’s top division, boasts an impressive record, including a World Cup victory in South Africa in 2010. The specifics of Ramos’s signing with Monterrey have not been disclosed.

“We have been pursuing his signature since last summer, but we couldn’t finalize an agreement until now,” stated José Antonio Noriega, the president of Monterrey. “Our team is in need of his contributions; he brings exceptional quality, vast experience, and undeniable leadership.”

Monterrey, affectionately known as Rayados, is among three Mexican clubs that will participate in the inaugural expanded Club World Cup taking place in the U.S. next summer, alongside León and Pachuca.

In addition to his World Cup triumph, Ramos has a distinguished career highlighted by his achievements with Spain, including a victory at Euro 2012, as well as five titles in La Liga and four Champions League crowns during his lengthy tenure with Real Madrid spanning 16 years.