Pamplona (EFE).- The historic former captain of Osasuna Oier Sanjurjo says goodbye to professional football. The Navarrese has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37 after more than 400 games as a professional.
He has put an end to his career playing a course at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus, his last team after going through the rojillo team and Celta de Vigo.
Through a video published by his representation agency, Global Aces, the man from Estella-Lizarra has made his decision known: “And the referee whistles the end. There are many last things, the last game, training, sprint, contact with the ball… as happens in any farewell, and in those I am, managing all that”.
Satisfaction and nostalgia in the farewell
The midfielder has transferred his feelings while the images are happening: “Satisfaction, nostalgia, rest, pride, illusion and something else.”
He thanked AEK for giving him the opportunity to have participated in “this powerful and historic season for the club”, Osasuna “because you have given me the opportunity to develop my professional career along with my personal growth”. He has also remembered Celta, a team to which he was on loan for a course.
First Division debut in 2008
After playing for Izarra as a youth player, Osasuna noticed him for their subsidiary at the beginning of the 2000s. In 2008, he made his debut in the First Division. One more course at Promises earned him to be part of the first team in 2008/09. His prominence was diminishing and in 2011 he tried his luck in Galicia, a place from which he came out stronger and from which he keeps fond memories after playing 34 games.
Back in Pamplona, Oier lived through the club’s most bitter years with the relegation to Osasuna 14 years later and the agonizing salvation of Sabadell. With the arrival of Jagoba Arrasate, the ‘6’ was gaining more prominence to become the right arm of his coach.
Over the years and experience, he gained relevance, seeing this reflected in his football. He played 356 games for Osasuna, becoming the player with the sixth most appearances.
Last summer, the rojilla legend went for the last dance. Cyprus was the destination. The Europa League and the Conference League have been two of the competitions that he has never been able to play before and that this year he has had the opportunity to enjoy.
“Above all, thanks to this beautiful game and this great sport. Goodbye football. Now it’s time to celebrate,” the statement concluded. EFE