MADRID, 24 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –
The captain of Real Betis Joaquín Sánchez made history this Sunday by winning the third Copa del Rey of his record, the second with Betis, and thus becoming the player with the most titles in the more than 114 years since the foundation of the club of the Thirteen Barras, where the man from Cadiz has his name written in gold letters.
Another Copa del Rey was not needed for Beticismo to recognize Joaquín’s talent, class and commitment to his team. The soul club that opened the doors of European football and the Spanish national team; the club where he won his first major title in 2005, 17 years ago, and who even accompanied him on his wedding day.
Many things have changed since then, but not the eternal love of a Joaquín who is much more than a footballer. His art and friendliness are also part of the player who continues to perform at a very high level when he is close to 41 years old. The one from Puerto de Santa María is reluctant to hang up his boots even though this Cup is an unimaginable culmination in his return to Betis.
It was the summer of 2015 when Joaquín decided to leave Fiorentina to complete his return home. More than 20,000 people gathered at the Villamarín to see him again with the green and white shirt. The brooch was the one he got tonight, adding a trophy to his record that further elevates his career as a Betis. No Betis player had won two titles with the club to date.
In addition, Joaquín became this Sunday the oldest footballer to play in a Copa del Rey final. His teammate Claudio Bravo had credit for him from this very night, but the moment he stepped onto the pitch he also signed that record. One more in a race that seems to have no end.
The Betis captain has preferred to focus on “celebrating the title” without delving into the possible renewal, in the same way as its president Ángel Haro, who preferred not to speak on this subject because it is “night to hug the Betis” and “celebration” .