Farewell to a legend

At an event this Saturday inside the press area at the Estadio de Gran Canaria at which he was surrounded by the entire UD Las Palmas squad and several club executives, a visibly emotional Juan Carlos Valeron announced his decision to end his playing career at the end of this season. "I've decided to retire from professional football at the end of this season. It's an absolute pleasure and honour to do so here at my home. I couldn't have dreamt of a better end to my career than to return home to my people", said a tearful Valeron.

"I'd like to thank everyone associated with the clubs I've had the chance to play at, UD Las Palmas, everyone at the club, all of its fans and especially its president, who is the man who made this happy ending possible. Especially these past three years that I've been here at UD Las Palmas surrounded by the people gathered here today and my teammates who've made me feel special. I think the time is right and I'd like everyone to be pleased for me because I'm happy. I want to enjoy these two games that I have left, surrounded by my people. Hopefully we get to enjoy a good game tomorrow as I say goodbye to the home fans inside my stadium", added the Canary Islander.

Valerón: "Cuelgo las botas en mi casa y en el mejor momento". https://t.co/txZCXrIRov #EternoValerón pic.twitter.com/dsXmjOakps

— UD Las Palmas (@UDLP_Oficial) May 7, 2016

UD Las Palmas president, Miguel Angel Ramirez, then expressed his thanks to a player who has been a true icon at the club. "For us it's an absolute honour to be here today saying goodbye to a player like Valeron who has had such a huge impact on the world of football. This room bears witness as one of the Canary Islands' - and Spain's - greatest ever footballers retires from the game. Valeron chose to spend his final few years in football here helping UD Las Palmas return to the Liga BBVA. All of his teammates have always had the utmost respect for him. He retires today with Las Palmas in the Liga BBVA and playing exceptional football as one of the squad's most important players," he said.

The club president went on to announce that, having been named the club's 'honorary captain', Valeron will be staying at UD Las Palmas after retiring. "Valeron won't be out on the pitch, but will stay on at our club as its honorary captain. As a club ambassador he will travel with the team on their away trips because we want him to continue conveying his values to the club's academy players", he concluded.

Dediquemos una gran ovación al flaco mañana, en el 21' de partido. #LPAvATH pic.twitter.com/h6AvH4Px1R

— UD Las Palmas (@UDLP_Oficial) May 7, 2016

At the end of his appearance, the 40-year-old footballer received a resounding standing ovation from those present. Valeron will have a chance to say goodbye to his fans this Sunday at 17:00 when UD Las Palmas face Athletic Club.