Joaquin waves emotional goodbye to Betis and football

The captain of Betis, Joaquín Sánchez, said after playing his last professional match at the age of 41, in the 1-1 draw against Valencia, that "it is a special day, a very nice day", as he has been with his "people", his "family, in the club" that "gave him everything", so he can't "ask for more".

"I am Joaquín thanks to them. Many emotions, many memories... A very beautiful day", said the winger from El Puerto de Santa María (Cádiz) to Movista. He did not stop crying throughout the match and, after being substituted after 60 minutes by Rodri, also on the bench and at the end of the match.

For Joaquín, "it's been a dream come true, much better than expected; I couldn't ask for more", and added about his family, who have seen him play at the Benito Villamarín on his retirement as a professional and against one of his former teams, that his people "form part of this story", of what he has "experienced over the last twenty-three years".

Questioned about his tears during many moments of the night, he emphasised that "it was all very real, mixed feelings when fans shouted his name although he said he tried to "control it, but it wasn't easy".

The eternal captain also took the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to the fans. "I'm left with the affection of all my fans. I'm going to continue to support Betis, being one more Bético defending this feeling", he said.