Imagen
Monchi's farewell
The Club

ROARS FROM THE HEART TO SAY GOODBYE TO MONCHI

08/04/2017
Entradilla
A moving farewell for Monchi in a Sánchez-Pizjuán devoted to their idol
Cuerpo Superior

On an afternoon when the football was essential, as is often the case, there was something equally or more important before a ball was kicked. He came out of the home dressing room with deliberate steps and a purposeful look, keeping his emotions under wraps and showing off the shirt of the team of his life with the number 16 and the name of Antonio Puerta on the back. The Sánchez-Pizjuán got to its feet for the legendary Lion of San Fernando and Monchi headed to the far side of the pitch where a row of glory with all the trophies he has won as sporting director was waiting for him. On the big screen a four minute summary of his 29 years with Sevilla FC was played, and Monchi saw the adoration of the fans who worshipped their idol.

Thumping his chest, looking to the sky...It was his moment and only he would decide when and how to end it

Monchi went towards Gol Sur, with his right hand on his heart and kisses towards the stand. Arms to the sky pointing to the back of his shirt. Then it was the turn of Fondo, and then Gol Norte. And Monchi stopped and put his hands on his knees to take a breath. Once again he pointed to the back of his shirt and the name of Antonio Puerta. He then returned to the centre circle. He kissed the badge. He thumped his chest, looked to the sky...It was his moment and only he would decide when and how to end it. And the final moments were those of a man who loves the pitch he's standing on. He got to his knees and by the centre spot he kissed the turf of the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

Cuerpo Inferior

It was Monchi's farewell, although there are no true farewells with Monchi

29 years after he arrived from San Fernando to play for Sevilla Atlético, Monchi kissed the turf that, with his own sacrifice, he made great. And his people honoured him and roared as he showed them how to roar. And just like that, in little more than six minutes, one of the most moving moments in Nervion's history came to an end. It was Monchi's farewell, although there are no true farewells with Monchi, because Monchi is Sevilla, and as long as Sevilla is there, so too is Monchi.