Real Betis legend Joaquin will play on until the age of 41 after agreeing a one-year contract extension with the Copa del Rey winners but said next season will be the last of his career.
Joaquin, a lifelong Betis fan, has played 451 competitive games for the club, more than any other player in the club’s history, and is just 22 appearances short of matching Andoni Zubizarreta’s LaLiga record of 622 outings.
The Betis captain, who turns 41 later this month, will have that record in his sights after agreeing to stay with the club until June 2023, and could also become one of the oldest players to appear in LaLiga.
He will have the opportunity to surpass former Osasuna goalkeeper Ricardo, who faced Real Madrid at the age of 41 years, five months and two days in 2013, although the record is disputed given then-Real Sociedad coach Harry Lowe briefly stepped in to play as a 48-year-old in 1935.
In a video posted to Betis’ social media channels, Joaquin said: “I had second thoughts until yesterday, but today I had to come.
“One more year and I’m out. This year and I’m out. [It’s] the last year.”
Joaquin made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, leading Betis to a fifth-placed league finish and the Copa del Rey title, having also won Spain’s domestic cup with the club in 2005.
Juan y Medio will have to wait. He’s not old enough to go to his show. pic.twitter.com/qkRMDz8kxL
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) July 6, 2022
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.