August 23, 2022.
The day all that's left of me cracked.
Exactly a year back i got a call about my dad demise.
Rest well Dad. To say i love is an understatement. I'll live for you and do well to make you proud.
Rest easy on the wings of eternity Dad.🕊️
I respect Messi’s greatness, but I’m fully convinced he’s going goal‑less this World Cup and Argentina are getting grouped. He holds them back.
Bookmark this and come back when it happens.
A rich Barcelona is a danger to every football club. Once they have money, they can attract almost any player in the world and completely destabilise teams with ease. I hope they borrow that Gordon transfer fee because I need them to remain financially broke forever 😂🙏🙏
Another set of killings and kidnappings in Kwara. The ones in Oyo are yet to be rescued.
A government that can’t protect its people is a failed government. This government is a failed one!
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…
Mikel Arteta won the League after four attempts and multiple false dawns. But every year, Arsenal went again. Now? They win.
Andoni Iraola got Bournemouth into Europe after three seasons of progress, setbacks and adaptation. He will go and achieve more.
Vincent Kompany got relegated with Burnley, then won back-to-back Bundesligas. Didn’t make the UCL final. Bayern will still try again.
Sport is not a neat linear fantasy story where one bad season means somebody is irredeemably useless or a ‘fraud’.
As Giannis said, “there’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days. Some days you are able to be successful, some days you’re not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn...”
Grow from setbacks.
Celebrate progress.
Do it together.