First team

NICO PAREJA: 'BEING THIS TEAM'S CAPTAIN IS ONE OF THE PROUDEST ACHEIVEMENTS OF MY CAREER'

24/08/2018

The defender said his farewell on Friday to Sevillla FC, the club where he has spent the past five years and to which 'I will return as a fan, because I wasn't born a Sevillista, but I will die a Sevillista.'

These were the emotional words with which Nico Pareja put an end to his time in Sevilla. The Argentine said his farewell in a packed press room, not only by his friends and teammates, but also the trophies our captain won with Sevilla's colours.

'It's been a beautiful journey, which it's hard to put an end to. The day has arrived which you never want to arrive, the day I've experienced so many times on the other side saying goodbye to a teammate and I've always wondered what would happen when it was my turn. And now here I am, saying goodbye to my home for the past five years, years which have been a roller coaster of emotions which I've experienced intensely every day. Five years since I arrived here to form part of this great family, of this great city which has made me a Sevillista. Not even in my best dreams could I have imagined everything that I've experienced here. I arrived at a Sevilla which had played two qualifiers to get into the Europa League, and we didn't only compete, we went and won it. That one and two more. A Sevilla of records and finals. But there's also been tough moments, like the injury which took me from the pitch in the 15/16 season. But nothing can compare to being part of this group of players who have given and sacrificed everything, they have fought and shown love for these colours. It's what has always characterised this team and we want to show our fans that from the pitch. Sometimes for better and sometimes for worse, my teammates and I have laid our souls out for this badge. Playing in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán is priceless. As is playing in and winning the derby. And being captain of this club is one of the proudest achievements of my career.'

He continued: 'The most important stage of my career and life is coming to an end. I want to thank everyone who has helped me be part of this great club's history: José María del Nido, Monchi, José Castro and the board, my managers, Joaquín Caparrós, everyone who works in every department in this club, Martagón, Lito, Pichón, the physio Julio Llamas... and the fans. Thank you so much to the fans who have let me experience the great atmosphere in the Sánchez-Pizjuán, which is unique. Thank you for making me a Sevillista, helping me to get through the hard times and showing me your love on the street. I have no doubt that you are our twelfth man.'

'Sorry for asking so much of you every day, but I did it to get the best out of each and every one of you'

He carried on by thanking 'all of my teammates throughout these years, you're more than teammates, you've been my family. I've learned so much from you and I leave with great friends. Thank you for always treating me with respect and helping me to be a better player and person. Sorry for being so annoying, for asking so much of you every day and pressurising you. I always did it to get the best out of each and every one of you'

'I wasn't born a Sevillista, but I will die a Sevillista'

And finally, thank you to my family and friends for sharing this adventure with me. But most of all to my wife and kids who drive me in life, picking me up every time I'm about to fall and supporting me in this new chapter of my career, because I know it's even more difficult for you than it is for me. I wish my teammates and the club all the best, I will return as a fan, because I wasn't born a Sevillista, but I will die a Sevillista.'