Real Betis winger Joaquin is a club legend who is still going strong for his side at the age of 41.
He has been named in their travelling squad for this week’s match against Manchester United and is looking forward to it.
He knows this could be his last chance on the big stage, admitting it is the type of game he has been waiting for during his whole career.
While no longer a regular, Joaquin has still made 16 appearances this season including five in the Europa League, featuring against Real Madrid at the weekend.
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Joaquin on Manchester United
Joaquin is in his second spell at Real Betis, having rejoined the club in 2016 after leaving in 2006 for Valencia, followed by spells at Malaga and Fiorentina.
He is combining his role as a Real Betis player along with being a television star in Spain, hosting his own 12-part series called El Novato.
For now he is fully focused on being ready for Manchester United, telling AS: “You always compete to play in these types of stadiums and face big clubs like Manchester United.
“For me, at 41 years old, it is a privilege, a dream and a source of pride to face a historic rival like United.”
He is also a minority shareholder at Real Betis, and is wary of the test Manchester United will provide, commenting: “They are very aggressive, we will have to be prepared.”
Joaquin adds that he is not thinking about it being his last time on the big stage, saying: “I promise I don’t think it’s my last time. It is not my thought, otherwise I would not enjoy it the same.”
Joaquin’s impressive numbers
- Joaquin made his debut for Real Betis’ first team in 2000, when he was just 19.
- He made his Champions League debut in 2005 and played in the old UEFA Cup in 2002.
- Among his former teammates was Juan Mata at Valencia, who he played alongside 131 times.
- He has 51 caps for Spain, earning his first back in 2002.
- Joaquin has made 471 appearances for Real Betis and 830 total appearances.
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