In the build-up to the home game against Real Madrid (Sunday 17th, 20:45 hours), Jon Ansotegi will receive Real Sociedad’s Gold and Diamond Insignia. The ex-player, after 11 seasons in the first team, spent time with SD Eibar and RCD Mallorca before hanging up his boots for good. Since two months ago, Jon has been working as part of the coaching staff in Zubieta, helping the younger players with their development. Talking to Real Sociedad TV today, Ansotegi admitted that it is going to be a very emotional experience for him when he receives the highest distinction awarded by the club; Jon also looked back over his brilliant career at La Real and revedin club means to him.
Jon says that he feels immense pride that the club will be recognizing his service before the Madrid game at Anoeta: “My initial feeling is one of great happiness, and also gratitude to all of the people who have made it possible for me to be back here. Obviously I am very happy because it’s recognition for several years of working and suffering for the team – and for me too. I’d like to thank all of those people who have always helped me and always supported me”.
It’s been over 11 years since he made his first team debut in the derby, and now as a member of the technical staff in Zubieta, Jon has had time to reflect on a career which has been almost exclusively linked to Real Sociedad. “Most of my career has been associated with La Real. Almost every day, I would come down to Zubieta – first to train with the youth team, then the first team and now as a member of the coaching staff. It’s been a lot of years, during which I have got to know a lot of people at the club and how the club functions. My feelings towards La Real are very strong and every day when I come here to work, is a day for me to feel happy about”, he explained.
As for the special moments of his playing days, Jon is in no doubt: “Football is about being a state of positive spirit and I am happiest when the team is winning. When we were promoted or when we finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League were two years which I enjoyed to the full.“I’ve always said that the fans, the season ticket holders treated me fantastically well during all of my years as a player. I only have words of thanks for everything they have given me and how much they supported me”, Jon continued.
Now Ansotegi has started a new stage in his professional career in which he will be the one supporting and encouraging the players coming through the youth academy. “I’m involved in the same sport and the training complex is the same but my role has changed. Now it’s my turn to learn from all of the coaching staff here in Zubieta – some of whom I knew previously, and others who I am getting to know now. Just like in life itself, it’s a process of trying to improve and better myself so that I can give the best I have”, Jon said, before going on to expand on the new responsibilities he has.“Developing and nurturing the youth teams is what Real Sociedad is all about, it’s what defines this club. That means we have to continue the good work – and carry it out again, just like the coaches did with us when we were young players in the youth ranks. Now we have to extract the very best from the young players coming through the academy so that one day, they can play for the first team”.
Another emotional moment for Ansotegi was when he had to bid La Real farewell, rescinding the remainder of his contract to join SD Eibar in 2016. Jon says he is sure that receiving the club’s Gold and Diamond Insignia a week on Sunday will certainly be another day full of emotions. “We all have feelings, some of us are more outward with them than others but when I step out there, I am sure it’ll be very emotional moment for me but I can’t wait for the day to arrive and share it with the rest of the family”.