To all Malaguistas:
I arrived at the Club at nine years of age and I’m now saying goodbye at 27. It’s time to say farewell to where was, is, and always will be my home, because you are from where you were born and where you feel at home, and I will be a Malagueño and Malaguista until my last day. This is what has been instilled in me. I’ve had 18 marvellous years here, playing within all the Málaga CF youth ranks, at all their grounds and wearing all the jerseys. I gave my soul for every ball, learned and became a man in the face of each adversity, grew as a player at every second, enjoyed the victories and suffered in the defeats. Above all, I’ve felt part of this shield. I’ll carry it in my heart and will never forget it.
Everything has gone very quickly, it’s been hard. Days of offices, roads, hotels, moving… It’s difficult having to say goodbye without wanting to, but the situation was what it was, and both the Club and I were obliged to make a decision that we thought was best for everyone. As such, my first word of thanks goes to Málaga, for everything it has given me and taught me over the years and for making me who I am now.
Also, of course, thank you to the fans, who have always spurred me on to never throw in the towel. I want to show my infinite gratitude to every single one of you, Malaguistas at heart, for believing in me and us. I’ve always felt your support and encouragement in the good times, and above all, in the bad times. I also know that not everyone liked me and sometimes I didn’t correspond to what was expected of me, but I tried to be the best captain possible. If I wasn’t the captain Málaga deserved, I also apologise. No excuses. You are the best fans in the world and it’s been an honour to represent you on the field of play. The way forward is found with your support.
I’d also like to thank all the managers, coaches, teammates, kit managers, medics, physios, Club employees, journalists and everyone who has shared these years with me. I’ve learned so much from everyone, without exception, and they’ve helped me to mould this feeling and taught me a thousand lessons every day. Thank you, thank you so much, for everything.
I know I’ve not been able to say goodbye as I wanted to, by holding a press conference, but due to circumstances and how fast everything has happened, I must bid farewell by letter and will do so publicly at La Rosaleda at a later date when the scheduling permits. That’s my wish.
It’s been an absolute honour to wear the Blue and White jersey with my life team, and from Leganés, a club I also thank for their confidence, there’ll be one more Malaguista’s support during every game, without pride when we win and without resentment when we don’t. I’m convinced that next year we’ll return to where we belong.
Always Málaga!
José Recio.
