Daijiworld Media Network- Madrid

Madrid, May 23: In a poignant and heartfelt press conference, Athletic Bilbao stalwart Oscar De Marcos bid farewell to football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 16-year journey with the Basque club. The 36-year-old defender will don the red and white stripes one final time this Sunday, as Bilbao host FC Barcelona in what promises to be an emotional La Liga encounter.

De Marcos, who joined the club in 2009, leaves behind an unmatched legacy. With 572 appearances under his belt, he is the club’s most capped outfield player, second only to legendary goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar.

“I’m not here to say goodbye. I’m here to say ‘thank you’,” said a visibly emotional De Marcos, addressing the media alongside former and current teammates. Reflecting on his decision to retire, he shared that it had been in the making for some time. “I tried to find the best moment. I saw that the team could achieve great things, and it would become harder to justify not continuing. But I knew this was the right time.”

In his moving tribute to the club’s philosophy, De Marcos spoke about the deeper values that make Athletic Club unique. “It’s not just a name or a club. It’s the tip of a huge iceberg—the loyalty of a people that walks with you, the unwavering fidelity. That’s Athletic,” he remarked.

De Marcos played a pivotal role in last season’s Copa del Rey triumph—Athletic’s first in 40 years—and now bows out with the club finishing fourth in La Liga, securing a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

“This is a goodbye, but I’m not leaving completely. Even if your body leaves, you leave roots. A part of me will always remain,” he said, holding back tears.

“I arrived here as a boy. Now I leave as a father and a man, shaped by everything I have learned in this club,” concluded De Marcos, etching his name forever in the hearts of the San Mamés faithful.

As fans prepare to say their final farewell on Sunday, Oscar De Marcos’ legacy as a symbol of loyalty, humility, and Athletic Club’s unique spirit will remain untouched.