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…
Chelsea fans, here’s some important context on the ownership situation.
When Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the club in 2022 after being sanctioned, he and his advisers made one thing crystal clear: they didn’t want another Glazer-style situation at Stamford Bridge. So they inserted a 10-year lock-in clause, the new owners cannot sell a controlling stake until at least 2032. This was written into the sale contract and is legally binding. Bidders had to guarantee long-term commitment with no quick flip for profit. They also banned dividends and management fees from being taken out of the club for a decade. It was basically an anti-Glazer package designed to protect the club’s future stability and stop owners treating Chelsea like an ATM.
That’s why, even with all the protests and open letters from the Supporters’ Trust right now, the owners physically cannot just pack up and sell the club tomorrow, they’re locked in for years. But here’s the important flip side: protests aren’t pointless. They can’t force a sale, but they can push the owners to actually improve the club. Recent updates show they’re starting to listen, admitting the heavy focus on young players needs balancing with more experienced, ready-made signings. That pressure can lead to better recruitment, a stronger sporting director setup, and yes, even a better managerial appointment. Fan voice matters. It might not change who owns us by next season, but it can force them to run the club better in the years they’re stuck here.
What do you think, does knowing the 2032 reality change how you feel about the protests?
CHELTENHAM DAY ONE TIPS🚨🐎
Everybody who leaves a like and comment on this tweet will get sent ALL my DAY ONE Cheltenham selections in their DM’s.
This includes my ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DAY ONE NAP.
People who retweet will get sent first.
(must be following)
I'm so f*cking tired of sections of the fanbase.
We just won our 4th game in a row in the Premier League for the first time in over a year and claimed back to back away wins for the first time since God knows when.
Palmer has been struggling all season and he just scored a hat-trick. Joao Pedro with another amazing game. Cucrella with his best game in ages. Enzo/Caicedo/Andrey with an incredible midfield performance. Villa dropping points.
And yet, half my timeline is filled with people crying about how "our depth looks like shit" or "how poor the second half was" or "how f*cked we'll be vs Leeds". Are you people even remotely capable of just the smallest bit of joy?
Meanwhile, you have Man Utd fans over the moon, calling Carrick and all of their players world class, while we are here fighting each other because of "standards".
Shut the f*ck up.
We need to make it WAR at the bridge tomorrow. Arsenal fans have shown no respect to us all week and need to be knocked down a peg or two. Hope the lads turn up again, I know Maresca will set us up well.