The captain’s words

“My dream was not just to be a football player but belong to la Real”

Vídeo

Xabi Prieto will hang up his boots at the end of the season. Yesterday, Xabi announced that he will retire from football and today he talked about it in press conference. The President, the Board of Directors, the technical staff and his first team mates attended too. It was difficult for him to hide his emotions but he explained the reasons why he decided to quit one of the most brilliant careers ever imagined. 

Jokin Aperribay paid a few words of tribute to Xabi: “We want the players of the Youth Academy to be like you. You have honored the crest. Over time, players like you will be even more remembered. You are an example, you have been a model for 15 years and you will continue being it. Thanks for all you have given us”

Xabi stated: “Today is a happy day. I have enjoyed this profession for 15 years and I have played for the team I wanted to play for, I am a privileged man. Today is a day for giving thanks. I would like to thank Jokin, the Board of Directors, Loren, Eusebio, Imanol, my teammates, my family, my brother, my wife, my sons and fans. They are not the noisiest but they are the most loyal fans ever. I will always defend la Real fans and will carry them in my heart”.

“When my contract was extended last year I knew that this would be the last season. I didn’t tell Jokin before in case I changed my mind. I believe this is the right decision. I feel that it is time to give way to younger generations and help from outside. I know that I will miss it a lot but I take it naturally. I believe it is the right time”. 

“If you are loved and valued, you don’t need anything else. The club have formed me as a person and helped me grow, I carry their values. My dream was not just to be a football player, my dream was to belong to la Real”, he said.

“Reaching the figure of 530 games is something special. All the coaches have placed their trust on me and have respected my injuries. It is time to put an end to this wonderful era”, he concluded.



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