Sergio Lozano: 'Wearing the Barça jersey was, is, and always will be a source of pride'
Surrounded by his family, friends, teammates, former teammates, other blaugrana legends, and President Laporta and his Board of Directors, Sergio Lozano said "Thank very much, it's been an honour to form part of the best team in the world and wear this jersey", bringing to a close the press conference at the Auditori 1899 to announce his retirement from futsal at the end of the season.
"You've let me live the dream for 14 years"
He first wanted to mention his achievements and commitment to Barça, stating "I have always given my all when wearing this jersey". "I hope the culers are proud, everything I have done has been for them. I've been lucky. I have felt at home at Barcelona", assured the blaugrana number 9, while going on to add that "the blaugrana jersey had to be my last. I won't play wearing another jersey after Barça".
"There have been many tough times"
His career has unfortunately been hampered by serious injuries, he himself commenting that "I have had many successes, but I have also had serious injuries, the worst a sportsperson can experience". In this sense, however, he stated that the support from the Barça fans and those attending matches at the Palau Blaugrana always helped him come back, as he went on to say "Thanks culers, you have always really supported me through my time here, not just when we lost, but also when I was injured".
"I definitely wouldn't be here without them"
He wanted to thank everyone he could, whether it was the different coaching teams, doctors – with a special mention for Carles Miñarro –, the board of directors, teammates, etc., stating that "You have helped me develop and give my best". And he also had an emotional word for this family and his father in particular, when he said "It was his dream that I wear this jersey. He's probably in tears up there now I'm never going to put it on again". And he thanked his wife and daughter for "being there during the hard times".
Laporta: "You leave an incredible legacy"
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta also took to the Auditori 1899 stage to say a few words about the 'Buffalo', stating "You are one of the great captains in the history of Barça. The Club thanks you, because you make Barça More than a Club". The president went on to say that "Barça has, is, and always will be your home, thanks for everything you have given us". "No one has been through and overcome such difficult times as you" he stated regarding his injuries.
The event ended with two big announcements. The first was that Lozano's shirt will be hung in the Palau Blaugrana, as confirmed by president Laporta. The second was that the blaugrana number 9 is set to take on an executive role at the Club. The player was then presented with a framed photograph by the director responsible for futsal Aureli Mas.