Julen Guerrero’s Appreciation: Photographs of the first training session

As you all know, this past 11 July I offered a press conference at the Palace of Ibaigane where I annonced my retirement from soccer and continue on to train one of Athletic Club’s reserve teams.

The feelings and the emotions at the time were all too overwhelming and it became very difficult to express what I would have liked. Which is why I have decided to make this pubilc statement through which I will try, as briefly as possible, to express my feelings and gratefulness.

I’ve been no less than 24 years in Lezama and I think that says it all. I came into the club when I was 8 years old, and there have been many trainings, a lot of sacrifice and devotion toward servicing this entity. I’m very proud of my career at Athletic, of the victories we’ve achieved, of the good times, and the not-so-good times…I’ve never regreted my decision to remain faithful to my homeland team, the club that I love; and there are many associations I’m grateful to for their support.

In the first place, a great big thanks to all those who have supported me on a day to day basis. I never would have done it without you. Hearing my name being chanted at La Catedral has been an undescribeable experience, impossible to explain and unique for someone like myself who feels for this club since his youth. I’m also extending my appreciation to all Supporters’ clubs and red-and white fans, who have always passed on their affection from all corners of the world. Friends that have been close at all times.

These last few days I’ve felt more backing than ever. Your show of support and affection have helped me a whole lot. It’s amazing the number of e-mails, letters and phone calls I’ve received, and although I’d love to, I’d like to apologize because I’ve not been able to answer them all; including those from the media, whom I’d like to request their understanding while at the same time I’d like to thanks them for the way they’ve treated me all these years.

Thanks to all of you who, season after season, have been my changing-room mates; whom I met at the Lezama school when I joined in 1992 and even those of you who are now in the premier team, all of those whom I’ve shared a stall with throughout my long red-white path.

I’d like to thank all the coaches and trainers, to whom I’ve always tried to offer the best sports performance possible, and from whom I’ve drawn experiences and learning that, without a doubt, will serve me in future.

Likewise, I’d like to acknowledge the effort and dedication that all presidents and board members have had toward Athletic Club while I’ve been with the entity.

I’d also like to recall and express my admiration for all those who generally don’t come out in the picture, but who hold such important jobs without whom the players condition would be much worse: doctors, administrators, physical therapists, equipment handlers, masseurs…thank you all.

And I can’t finish without first expressing my appreciation toward my family who have always been a fundamental pillar for me. I’m quite lucky to have you beside me each day.

I’d like express my satisfaction for this new stage in my career; a phase where, as I did as a professional footballer, I will give my all. My appreciation also goes out to all club heads who have deposited their faith in me by allowing me this responsibility and by making me a part of Athletic Club’s sports project.

I will give all my effort and dedication when it comes to transmitting the knowledge I’ve acquired during the past years to all youngsters; to those who make up the future of this enthusiastic adventure callled Athletic Club.

Thank you!