JAVI VARAS: "I'VE MADE A LOT OF FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY, WHICH IS THE BEST THING"

Javi Varas, after officially announcing his retirement from football today, came into the SFC Radio studios to talk about his career as a footballer and, not only being able to play for his team at the highest level, but also lifting major trophies with them: "The phone hasn't stopped ringing all morning. It wasn't a decision that worried me or that made me think too much, even though I had many offers on the table to continue playing". 

"Everything happens so quickly, you don't realise how many sleepless nights you have because of a mistake or a defeat. Now, you don't remember them. I've made a lot of friends along the way, which is the best thing about this job. No matter what city or team I played in, they welcomed me with open arms. I like to now think back about the games played in the First Division and I'm remembered for that penalty save against Messi. I think I've had a good career, with both the good and the bad days mixed in. I think I've come as far as I could have".

"In the reserve team, you are only one step away from being given an opportunity. It was an unforgettable time"

Varas explained how he will never forget about his time in the Sevilla reserve team: "In the reserve team, you are only one step away from being given an opportunity. The game in Pontevedra was one of the best I ever played. However, you always want to be playing in the first-team and you don't stop trying to make this a reality. For me, the time spent in the reserve team was unforgettable".

"I'm still a busy man, I'm helping out in the children's school here. I've always been busy and had things to do. I'll have a think about the future, I have two children and there's a lot to life after football. Now, I'm going to make up for lost time with my kids", the retired 'keeper explained when talking about life after football.

"I played a lot the year we won the UEFA Europa League. There aren't many more important trophies than that one for Sevilla"

He also spoke about his starts in the first-team: "Manzano gave me my place and then I became first-choice. We kept five consecutive clean-sheets away from home, but the team fell apart. Marcelino is one of the best coaches that I remember, but he had no luck. It was a tricky year, even though it started off very well for me".

The now ex-goalkeeper, didn't just make his debut for Sevilla and stop there, he went on to win trophies with the club: "I won the Copa del Rey in my first season, and then  the Europa League which was a dream. I played a lot and we had a fantastic team. Nearly all the ones from that team have messaged me. Winning a trophy for the club I've supported since I was little, was unimaginable. They're the things that stay with you and although it seems materialistic, there aren't many more important trophies than that one for Sevilla".

"The academy players now have a stepping stone to a club that gives opportunities to youngsters"

To finish off, Javi Varas sent a word of advice to all the players in the academy: "They have to enjoy it and learn. They are going to be great players, they have more options now and they are much more prepared. The job as a goalkeeper is a unique one but you have to enjoy this position to play it. They have a stepping stone to a club that gives opportunities to youngsters".