The time has come
“Good afternoon everyone. The moment has arrived that we all believe never will. The years pass by, and the time has come to end my career, which fortunately I can say has been a winning one”.
Thanks to the family
“I would like to begin by thanking my parents, who are primarily responsible for me being here today. They gave everything to be able to educate me, so I would become a man who is honourable, dignified and a fighter. My parents went hungry, but I never went without anything. I would like to thank them, they’re not here today, but I’m sure they’ve enjoyed watching me triumph. Furthermore, I would like my wife and daughters to be by my side, as they always have been during the good times and bad (they sit next to him). People always say that behind a great man is a great woman, in this case that’s the truth. This lady left her profession, her career, to follow mine, and live my dreams. She stopped leading her life to lead mine”.
A successful career
“It was very tough growing up in a village, on a farm, and to succeed amongst the greats. There were a lot of difficult times, but they serve to value every day, and everything that I’ve achieved. I never imagined I would become a professional player, especially in a Club like Málaga CF, and get to where I’ve got. I didn’t play with any national team, or win any titles, but I am a winner and have achieved many things. I’ve competed with fantastic players, against major clubs, I’ve shared a dressing room with people like Demichelis, who for me is one of the greats”.
Málaga, his home
“I would like to express my thanks to all the clubs where I’ve played, to all those who directly and indirectly helped me throughout my career, until the day I arrived at this Club. When I landed in Málaga, I don’t know why, but something told me this would be my home. I’ve had an amazing 10 years, with a great deal of joy and triumph”.
Grateful to everyone
“I think I grew up with the Club, and I hope it doesn’t stop here. I want you all to take the Club as high as possible, because both the Club and city deserve it. I’d like to thank everyone who works here for putting up with me over the years, and all of you, the journalists. I’d also like to thank all the coaching teams who’ve been here, the medical teams and equipment managers. Thank you to president Al Thani for the opportunity and making Málaga great, Arnau who is here representing the Club, to all of you, who are part of this family, and the players who make every day easier. Thank you to the coaching team, it has been an unforgettable experience for me. I want you to get the Club as far as possible, give the best of yourselves so the Club can keep growing and we can be amongst the greats of Europe. I can never thank the fans enough, they’ve always treated me so well, always been very affectionate. I want to say that I love you all very much, and that our paths will cross in the future. I don’t know when, but I know they will cross. I will return to this place which has always been my home. Thank you very much”.
