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Joaquin retires aged 41 and leaves Zlatan as oldest active outfield player in big leagues

talksport.com, 19 April 2023, 16:48
Spanish footballing legend Joaquin has announced his retirement at the mighty age of 41 with a classy art-based farewell.

The thrilling winger will depart Real Betis at the end of the current season, having lifted the Copa del Rey last season, 17 years on from first winning it with the club.

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His departure will leave Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the oldest outfield player in Europe's big five leagues, with the Swede set to continue playing for AC Milan next term.

Joaquin, full name Joaquin Sanchez Rodriguez, said his farewell in a video posted by the club at an art gallery, which ends with a portrait of his time at the club.

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"Life is a constant evolution," he says. "The secret is to be able to adapt to changes.

"Face every day like a challenge and put a bit of art in everything.

"The way is full of emotions, names and moments reverberate inside my head. That magical night last April when I fulfilled a dream of mine.

"Time flies, they say nothing is forever, but they're wrong, don't they know about art? It's inspiration, emotion and transformation.

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"For 23 years I've tried to make football an art and for it to be remembers from generation to generation, from classic to contemporary.

"Now it's time to hang up my boots. My art. A window to eternity."

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Joaquin began his career at Seville club Betis, leaving in 2006 for stints at Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina.

The Spain international defined the term 'swashbuckling winger' with some sublime showings down the right hand side for Valencia, becoming a cult hero at home and abroad.

Along with his talent on the pitch, Joaquin became a legend off of it when he returned to Betis to again lift the Spanish cup.

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It was the third time he won the trophy along with a 2008 victory with Valencia in 2008.

On that occasion he posed naked with the King's Cup, a joke he hilariously repeated in his 40s with Betis last season.

After that victory, he had the trophy at his wedding as a guest of honour during his summer nuptials.

Read full version: https://talksport.com/football/1399420/joaquin-announces-retirement-aged-41-zlatan-ibrahimovic-oldest-player/
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