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…
🚨🎙️ Pep Guardiola on the 2021 UCL Final vs Chelsea:
“People talk about my Barcelona teams, Bayern, treble-winning City… but that Chelsea final is still the most difficult game I’ve ever coached in my career.
For 90 minutes, we suffered. Every space was closed. Every mistake felt fatal. I knew one goal could destroy us… and it did.
I have lost many games, but that night against Chelsea made me feel helpless on the touchline. Tuchel got everything perfect. It still hurts me today.’
Trophies Messi & Ronaldo lost since joining Inter Miami and Al Nassr
MESSI:
❌ MLS Cup (x2)
❌ US Open Cup (x3)
❌ Supporters’ Shield (x2)
❌ CONCACAF Champions Cup (x3)
❌ Leagues Cup (x2)
❌ Club World Cup
RONALDO:
❌ Saudi League 22/23... see below
🚨Thierry Henry on Cristiano Ronaldo tears after winning the Saudi Pro League:
🗣️ “ People see Cristiano Ronaldo crying after winning the Saudi Pro League and some laugh because of where he is playing now. But for me, that moment explains exactly why he became one of the greatest athletes we have ever seen.
This is a player who has already conquered football. Champions Leagues, Ballon d’Ors, league titles in England, Spain and Italy, international trophies with Portugal… there is literally nothing left for him to prove to anyone.
Yet at 41 years old, he is still celebrating victories with the same emotion, the same fire and the same obsession he had when he was a teenager at Sporting Lisbon. That is not normal. Most players lose that hunger after winning one or two major trophies. Cristiano never lost it.
People always talk about talent, but mentality is what truly separates legends from great players. Cristiano trained like every season was his last chance. He treated every game like it mattered. That is why he stayed at the top for almost 20 years while generations of players came and disappeared.
To still have that level of passion at his age, after everything he has achieved, is honestly unbelievable. It tells young players that greatness is not only about ability, it is about sacrifice, discipline, consistency and refusing to ever become comfortable.
You can love him or hate him, but you have to respect that mentality. Football may never see another competitor like Cristiano Ronaldo again...”
If Colwill stayed fit, Maresca would still be Chelsea manager, Rosenior and Sarr would still be at Strasbourg, Anselmino would be balling at Dortmund, 1 injury exposed how badly Chelsea’s sporting directors planned this squad. https://t.co/Gf2Ucq4pBw
🚨Frank Lampard gave us The Rise of Reece James for €0 🎯
🚨 Thomas Tuchel gave us prime Kante and Rudiger 🤯
🚨 Mauricio Pochettino gave us prime Cole Palmer since Hazard for €40m 🏴
🚨 Enzo Maresca gave us…see details
Dear @Alookman_
When Olise picked France and Musiala picked Germany, you chose Nigeria.
They took the easy route, you took the hard one , that’s what great footballers do.
For your sacrifices, I’m backing you today. Go show the world you’re the best LW on the planet.
Sink Mosquera. Sink Arteta. Sink Arsenal. Sink their fans.
Your biggest fan,
Olivia 💕
Napoli hadn't lost at home for over a year since December 2024, and had to win or exit.
Liam Rosenior in his 6th game as Chelsea manager mogged Conte, and got a Top 8 finish.
Beat an Elite Manager, we were in bad position under Maresca, he came and saved us.