ÓLIVER TORRES: "TODAY WE GO OUR SEPARATE WAYS, BUT IN A WAY I FEEL MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER"

Today, Óliver Torres said goodbye during his leaving ceremony. Visibly emotional, he said, "I didn't plan on getting emotional. I had a speech prepared but I'm going to improvise instead. It is never easy to say goodbye, leaving everything that I've achieved during these past five years is hard, but I've learned a lot. But today is also a celebration of all the times I've worn the shirt. It has been an honour and a privelege. Success is not just about recognition or trophies, it's more about the people that you meet along the way. Teammates, friends, family, they are the biggest reward.

"Coming to Sevilla was the best decision of my life. They told me that I would be part of an ambitious project, fighting against the best in Europe. Five years later, I think it's fair to say that we have achieved that. There have been times where we could have done better, but I've always given my all both on and off the pitch. I would like to thank all of you for the support. Thanks to the board, I know it's not an easy time but I know that you will take the club back to the top. Thank you to everyone at the club, working day in day out. And thank you to all of my teammates, for making me who I am and pushing me to the limit. I have loved spending time with all of you, sharing all these great moments. Joan [Jordán] is the perfect example of a great friend and teammate. Thank you to the coaches. It's not easy changing coaches all the time, but you learn a lot from each one. And finally, I can't leave without thanking the fans. It has been a privilege hearing them sing the hymn, singing my name and lifting trophies with them. I have felt very welcome here and leave happily. I have learned so much and am eternally grateful. Today we go our separate ways, but in a way I feel more connected than ever."

"The 'Never Surrender' motto will stay with me forever"

Óliver then had one final press conference in which he answered questions about the club and the city. "When you get the opportunity to join a big club like Sevilla, you have to leave your mark. I hope that my personality has left an impression, I've always tried my hardest to help the team. It's a privilege to have been a part of the club's history and a part of me will stay here forever. I will always be able to tell my kids about some great highlights during my time here. At Sevilla we are a family. They look after you from the moment you arrive, both the club and the people. They make you feel like one of their own and I've been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to represent them on the pitch and to have met so many great people. This is a special club; the 'Never Surrender' motto will stay with me forever."