The day that millions of Betics feared has arrived. On April 19, Joaquín Sánchez uploaded a video to his social networks where he announced that he was retiring from professional football after more than two decades dedicated body and soul to this sport.
The eternal Betis captain announced that this season will be his last as a professional, since his contract with the club expires on June 30 and will not be extended by his own decision. The last nine league games of this 2022-23 campaign will be the last for Joaquín playing on the front line.
The reactions of fans, teammates, team managers, friends, rivals, family… have filled the social networks to say goodbye to one of the greatest footballers in Spanish sport. And it is that, although he is known and acclaimed for his good game and his sportsmanship, the Andalusian is also famous for his charisma, grace and self-confidence, qualities that have fallen in love with millions of fans around the world.
One of the people who have accompanied the bético during all these years of passion, effort and sacrifice, is his wife, Susana Saborido. The Sevillian has been there in Sánchez’s worst moments and she has always understood very well that he was a ‘crazy’ sport that was due to his fans and his team. She has starred in one of the most beautiful farewells to the captain, since she has dedicated a publication to him that has pinched the heart of his more than 100,000 followers.
”This day had to come, even though my heart and soul don’t understand it. We met as two children full of illusions and dreams and, since then, every game in which I have seen you play I have had goosebumps and emotions on the surface of the skin,” Saborido wrote, later adding that he could not believe how her husband said goodbye to the fans forever.
”Today I have to see how you say goodbye to your life, to your world, to your everything, and now I don’t know what to say or what to do, because I can’t believe it. Just to say that you were, are and will be one of the best footballers that Spain has produced. You will always be Joaquín 17. I love you,” he declared in a publication that has touched the hearts of thousands of people.
There is not a Betic who has not left an affectionate message for the athlete in their networks, a teammate who has not pointed out how much Joaquín is going to be missed and a soccer fan who has not recognized the mark that the Andalusian leaves in the history of this sport in Spain.
Since his decision was announced, the internet has been flooded with comments, messages and posts showing unconditional love for the player, a sentiment that has been earned game by game. ”More than 900 games in the elite. Undisputed legend of Spanish football. Eternal, Joaquín”, ”You are a great Joaquín, as a culé we have suffered and enjoyed you. You deserve everything good, crack!” or ”What a cry watching Joaquín’s farewell… how nice it is to be from Betis and how nice it has been to have you at this club. Eternal captain!” are some of the comments that can be read on the networks.
