Former Spain and Valencia winger Joaquin plans to hang his boot at the end of the season but maintains that he will continue to “put a little bit of art into everything”
Real Betis’ veteran and ex-Spain winger Joaquin has declared his intention to retire at the end of the season, putting an end to an illustrious career that has spanned several years.
The 41-year-old, who is the captain of Real Betis, began his career with the club 23 years ago and rejoined them in 2015 after playing for Valencia, Malaga, and Fiorentina.
His 615 LaLiga appearances are second only to Andoni Zubizarreta, who played 622 times in the Spanish top division.
Real Betis has nine matches remaining in the current season, and there is a possibility that Joaquin could surpass Andoni Zubizarreta’s record of 622 La Liga appearances. However, Joaquin has only started one match this season.
Joaquin has previously won the Copa del Rey twice, one with Real Betis in April 2021 and the other with Valencia in 2008.
The former Valencia winger represented Spain in international competitions 51 times and participated in two World Cups and one European Championship.
Joaquin pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Betis fans
He said in a video posted on social media by Betis: “Life is a constant evolution, the secret is to have the ability to adapt to changes, face each day as a challenge and always put a little bit of art into everything.
“The road is full of emotions, names and moments that keep resonating in my head. Oh, that magical night at the end of April in which I was able to fulfill a dream!
“Time flies so fast. Nothing is forever, they say, but they are wrong. Don’t you know art? It is inspiration, emotion and transformation. For 23 years, I have tried to make football an art and to 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.”
