By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Felipe Reyes has signed off after a long career and Real Madrid honored the emblematic player through a special ceremony hosted at the Ciudad Real Madrid. The event, which was attended by club president Florentino Pérez and several members of the Board of Directors, as well a head coach Pablo Laso, teammates Rudy Fernandez, Usman Garuba and Carlos Alocén, as well as Sergio Rodríguez, began with an emotional recap of the captain’s best moments.
Perez then took the stage and spoke highly of Reyes’ contribution to the club: “You were one of my first big signings in basketball. You came to Real Madrid in just over 20 years and now, after 17 seasons sharing unique experiences and setting an example in each game, you have decided to close your brilliant and spectacular career as a professional player ”.
“Beyond triumphs, titles, conquests, and victories, there is something very special about your career. Because you, Felipe, have been during these years one of the most important references in European basketball. How difficult it is going to be for everyone to assume that we are not going to find you on the courts chasing rebounds under the rim. And above all, how difficult it will be for our fans to see our Real Madrid without the eternal captain giving everything in the decisive minutes. However, your example and the values that have made you an unforgettable player will be very present forever because you are already part of our legend”, he said.
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Reyes stepped on the stage next and gave an emotional speech, thanking the club and the fans.
“The moment comes for me, [the moment] that no player wants to. I have always given one hundred percent, I have left my soul and I have given everything on the court in each game. An unforgettable stage of my life has ended, having been lucky enough to play for both teams in my city: Estudiantes and Real Madrid. I would like to continue playing for many more years, to continue enjoying my teammates and to continue vibing with our fans, whom I have missed a lot in recent times ”.
“I want to thank Real Madrid, the club of my life that has given me everything. I came as a young boy and I retired when I was 41 years old. You have taught me everything, I have improved as a player, as a person I have learned values that are more important than all these titles. To never give up and fight to the end and play to the limit. To realize that talent and quality without constant work are useless. In recent years I have tried to transmit this legacy to the youngest. Learn and enjoy every moment and heed the advice of the most veteran ”.
“Many thanks to our president Florentino Pérez for his unconditional support, for helping us and pushing us to be better, and for fulfilling my dream of playing for Real Madrid, the best team in the world. I will never forget. I also want to thank all the employees, Juan Carlos Sánchez and Alberto Herreros. You are all partly to blame for the successes in these years. And to the fans. I will be eternally grateful to you. I have missed you a lot and I would have liked to say goodbye and feel your love and support. We will see each other later. Also, to all my teammates. I will carry you in my heart and I will miss every day with you in the locker room. You are the best. You have made me live unforgettable moments. We have laughed and enjoyed the good times and suffered in the bad. Go Madrid!”.
Photo: Pedro Castillo / realmadrid.com