The world of football has turned to pay homage to the Betis legend Joaquín, who on Wednesday announced his retirement from professional football at the end of this season. At 41 years old, the Andalusian striker has earned the affection of teammates and rivals thanks to his great charisma and sense of humour. For this reason, dozens of clubs, players and entities have wanted to join the expressions of affection received by the player from Puerto de Santa María in such a special announcement.
Real Betis Balompié was the first to fire their captain, sharing an emotional video in which they reported his retirement along with the message: “17. Art is eternal. Thank you for so much, captain." The Verdiblanco club, along with the hashtag
During his career, Joaquín also played for Valencia and Málaga. Both clubs have also joined in the farewell to the Porto winger. “It was a pleasure to enjoy your art as a Valencianist. Good luck in your new phase", wished the Ché team, who enjoyed the striker between 2006 and 2011. That summer he would be transferred to Málaga, who also wanted to pay homage to Joaquín: "You are part of our history and we are part of yours. Thank you for infecting us with the joy of your football. Here, in Malaga, you also have your home”.
The reactions have not stopped raining since the announcement, including from competitions such as the Santander League: “He arrived as a child and leaves as a @RealBetis LEGEND It has been a pleasure to see you in
There are also many clubs that have joined these messages and have wished the Andalusian striker the best, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. “Given the announcement of your retirement, from Real Madrid we wish you and your family the best in this new phase of your life, Joaquín. It has been an honor to share all these years of football with a Betis legend who represents the best values of our sport", the white club wrote in response to the announcement. "A great footballer is retiring," says the tweet from the Blaugrana entity, which thanks Joaquín for "all the moments and joys that you have given us football lovers." "Happy retirement, @joaquinarte!" He concludes.
Joaquín will hang up his boots after a 23-year career, 14 of them with the Betis shirt. In addition, he played for Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina. In the video with which he said goodbye, the footballer highlights how "quickly" time passes and affirms that "for twenty-three years" he has tried to make his "football an art and that it be remembered from generation to generation". “From the classic to the contemporary. Now all that remains is to hang up my boots, my art. A window into eternity”, concludes the emotional message.
