After 18 years, it’s time to say goodbye to Chelsea. I arrived as a nine-year-old with a dream, and I leave as a man who’s lived that dream in ways I never imagined. This journey tested me, lifted me, and strengthened me. To every teammate, coach, staff member, and supporter, thank you for shaping me. I gave everything I had, and I’m proud of the person this club helped me become. To the young players: the path won’t always be smooth. But stay ready, stay positive, and keep your faith. God’s timing is always right. Thank you all, truly, with love and gratitude.
I’ve played football all over Europe, but nothing prepared me for my first Red Star vs Partizan derby.
The city of Belgrade feels different from the moment you wake up. We could stay in hotel from the beginning of the week and It’s not just another matchday—it’s a day where families are divided, friendships are tested, and every conversation somehow leads back to football.
Hours before kick-off, the streets around the stadium are already alive. Red and white on one side. Black and white on the other. The chants echo through the city long before you even see the stadium. You can feel the tension in your chest.
Walking into the stadium was unforgettable. The noise hit me first. Then the smell of smoke from the flares.
Then came the tifos massive displays covering entire stands. It felt less like playing a football match and more like witnessing a cultural event that had been passed down through generations.
When the players walked out, the atmosphere exploded. I’ve been in loud stadiums before, but this was different. Every tackle was celebrated like a goal. Every decision from the referee was met with deafening reactions. For 90 minutes, nobody sat down.
As someone who played in the derby I found myself watching more than just the fans but how me as a player could handled the pressure, how i can respond to mistakes during the game, A derby like this reveals character. Technical quality matters, but mentality is what separates players who survive from those who disappear.
When the final whistle blew, I realized I’d witnessed more than a football game. I’d experienced history, identity, passion, and rivalry all wrapped into one unforgettable afternoon.
If you truly love football, the Red Star vs Partizan derby is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime. It reminds you why this game means so much to so many people.
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…
🚨🎙️| Roy Keane:
“People will call me harsh, but I’m being honest, Burnley played against Arsenal and the officials. That’s what I saw. Arsenal fans can get angry all they want, but deep down they know some of those calls were embarrassing. Maybe this title race is being decided before the ball is even kicked.”
“Burnley were robbed, absolutely robbed. I’ve seen poor refereeing but this felt different. Every key moment somehow favored Arsenal. Funny that, isn’t it? After all these years without a title suddenly everything starts going their way. If that’s football now, we’re in trouble.”
“I don’t want excuses from Arsenal fans because if this happened to them they’d be screaming corruption for months. Burnley never got a fair chance. The referee had an absolute shocker and VAR? Don’t get me started. At some point you start asking questions, are Arsenal actually that good or are they just getting carried?”
🚨🗣 Mikel Obi on Arsenal being Champions of the Premier League after 22years
"Congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League on 70% set piece, incorrect referee decisions and improper football display.
"It is sad that this what you will need to win the Premier League. We are in Horrible times but yet again congrat to Arsenal football Club"
When you realise Arsenal are about to win the league… and now you’ll have to hear their fanbase compare Saka to Messi, Gabriel to Maldini, Martinelli to Ronaldinho, Madueke to George Weah and Arteta to Pep.