Raúl García said goodbye to football at Vallecas in a special match. The veteran player came on in the second half, replacing Villalibre, and played his final minutes in LaLiga. At 37 years old, García ends his career with over 800 professional games, 609 of them in LaLiga. He leaves as the third player with the most LaLiga matches in history, behind Zubizarreta and Joaquín.
Splitting his career between Osasuna, Atlético, and Athletic, García wore a new shirt for his farewell game as Athletic debuted their upcoming season’s second kit at Vallecas. After the match, García expressed his gratitude for the journey he’s had, stating that it was the right time to step aside. Reflecting on his 20-year career, he looks forward to a different routine ahead. This special moment was captured in an interview with DAZN at the pitch.
The match ended with a 2-0 victory for Athletic Club over Rayo Vallecano, making it a memorable farewell for García. Fans and players alike celebrated the career of the seasoned midfielder, recognizing his immense contribution to the game over the years. As Raúl García closes this chapter in his football journey, his legacy and impact on the sport will always be remembered in the hearts of football enthusiasts around the world.