It’s been over a decade and a half since Joaquin won his last cap for Spain, but incredibly, aged 41, he’s still going strong Real Betis. Few footballers have ever looked like they’re enjoying themselves so much.
His honour’s list might only include a few Copa Del Rey triumphs but Joaquin has had as colourful a career as any of his contemporaries. He will retire as one of the most popular players in Spain…just don’t ask Sevilla fans.
Here are just a few of the reasons why we love him and why you should too.
Camp Nou heroics
Injuries and his advancing years have reduced Joaquin to cameo appearances for Betis in the 2018-19 season, but Quique Setien deemed him suitable to start away at Barcelona, leading the line in a wild, delirious display of football on the front foot.
He repaid his manager’s faith by doubling Betis’ lead in the first half, leaving Ernesto Valverde’s side shook by the rare audacity of a visiting side who only ever considered attacking. At no point did they look to shut up shop.
There was a 14-year gap since his last goal against Barcelona. It was also Betis first win at the Camp Nou in 21 years.
| GOAL! |
Real Betis are 2-0 up at the Camp Nou! 😯
37-year-old Joaquin, hadn’t scored against Barcelona since the 04/05 season, he’s just ended that dry spell! pic.twitter.com/7cO6xIe8QU
— Eleven Sports (@ElevenSports_UK) 11 November 2018
His dislike of running
“When you see stats like that, all it means is someone spent all game chasing the ball.” says Joaquin. “The more you run, the worse it is.”
Good advice.
El Gran Derbi heroics
“There will be no rest tonight. Anyone who gets home before five in the morning gets fined.”
After nine years away, following spells at Valencia, Malaga and Fiorentina, Joaquin returned to his boyhood side in 2016.
The captain gave a rousing speech before the vital derby against Sevilla in September 2018 but was only fit enough to make the bench.
He was introduced in the second half and scored the only goal of the game.
One of the biggest derbies in the world is this weekend. El Gran Derbi, Real Betis v Sevilla. It’s always a fun game with a brilliant atmosphere at either stadium.
Here’s a very dramatic video of Joaquin’s winner last year to get you going.
— jack (@jackstraw76) November 8, 2019
His hypnosis skills
Like many things about Joaquin, this one can’t really be explained.
The forward was invited onto Spanish talk show El…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football365…