The mothership posted a goodbye letter from Diego and it is just lovely. Get out the tissues.
32 years ago I was born in a small village in the province of Lugo, Paradela. I dreamed about one day becoming a footballer, but I never imagined that I would one day play for my club, that of my heart, Real Madrid. It is something that I will always be proud of. For this I have to thank the club and its president, Florentino Pérez, for giving me the chance to defend this badge.
For an academy player to return to the club of their life is the most amazing thing.
Thanks to two great managers (José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti) and their respective coaching teams for their confidence, for everything I have learnt from them; for giving me the chance to compete, which is the essence of sport.
Thanks to all my teammates, the physios, doctors, groundsmen and all club employees. It has been a privilege to have shared such moments of great happiness with you; thanks for always treating me with such warmth. I wish all of you the best.
And of course, my sincere thanks to Madrid’s fans, this enormous family found all over the world. Thanks for your support and for your strength during this time: you will always be in my heart.
I leave happy, because I have given my all. My only objective was to work day upon day with respect, dedication and to passionately defend the values of the best club in the world.
For all of this I can say with great pride that every minute I spent with Real Madrid was like a gift sent from the heavens.
¡Hasta el final, vamos Real!
From a Madrid fan.
Diego López
And Iria put up a post on Instagram with this picture of DLo with Villiam Vecchi. Excuse my halting translation – I think I did a pretty decent job though.
We arrived on January 25th to fulfill a dream! This dream became a reality. Now starts a new stage, also full of excitement. I want to thank everyone for so much affection! Because if I can boast of something it is to have shared with you moments of my happiness. You are great! “Forever in our hearts” #TeQuieroRealMadrid #HalaMadrid #EnhorabuenaPorLaSuperCopaDeEuropa #GRACIASAFICION
Good lord, what monsters they are! ::rolls eyes:: I thought both notes came off as grateful and humble. DLo handled himself with class right till the end even as he was being shoved out the door. Good for him. He’s definitely in a better position after being back at RM, no doubt about that. I’m delighted that he did so well for us and now, even more so that he’ll move on and do good work elsewhere.
Watishistas mygypsyspirit & forzasusan, who also support the Rossoneri are pretty psyched by his addition to the squad.
Good luck DLo, Iria & Zoe! We’ll keep an eye on you from afar. Enjoy Italy!
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
He did a wonderful job for us under sometimes difficult circumstances. Good luck, Diego!
Very nice.
There must be a clause in the player’s contracts stating they have to write a letter if they leave. It’s better than the tweet Javi Garcia just posted to thank Man City now that he has signed with Zenit. Which resounds better?
I think with a team like Madrid, especially if you grew up in the club like Morata or Lopez, it’s just an accepted and unwritten rule
Of course. I was attempting humour there and clearly failed. Still, letter vs tweet. Even Ashley Cole tweeted about his Chelsea exit and 8 yrs he was Blue. Vastly different public personas the clubs and player expectations in respect to those personas.
I always admired his professionalism. He did a fantastic job in honoring and defending the escudo! I wish him success!