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🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Aspas: "My next season will be my last, even if we reach the Champions League"

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Iago Aspas, a legendary Celta Vigo player, announced his retirement from professional football after the 2026-27 season.
  • He stated that even qualifying for the Champions League would not change his decision to retire.
  • Aspas plans to join the club's organization after his playing career and expressed happiness about potentially playing a derby against Deportivo in his final season.

Iago Aspas, widely regarded as Celta Vigo's greatest player, has declared that the upcoming 2026-27 season will be his last as a professional footballer. The veteran forward, who holds the club's record for most appearances, confirmed his decision despite the possibility of Celta qualifying for the Champions League.

This is my last year, even if we go to the Champions League, which I've never played in.

· Iago AspasAspas announced his decision to retire after the 2026-27 season.

"This is my last year, even if we go to the Champions League, which I've never played in," Aspas stated during a press conference. "I'll be 39 soon, and sometimes stepping aside might be best for both the club and myself. I qualified twice for the Champions League but couldn't enjoy it, not even then."

I qualified twice for the Champions League but couldn't enjoy it, not even then.

· Iago AspasAspas explained that even Champions League qualification would not alter his retirement plans.

Aspas revealed that club officials encouraged him to renew his contract, believing he could still contribute significantly. However, he wanted to ensure he could still make a difference on the field. "In the latter part of the season, I had considerable participation, and I felt quite good in the last month and a half," he explained. "This, combined with the European qualification and the team's direction, made me think I could still contribute much more than I did at certain points this season."

In the latter part of the season, I had considerable participation, and I felt quite good in the last month and a half.

· Iago AspasAspas discussed his recent form and decision-making process regarding retirement.

Looking ahead, Aspas plans to transition into a role within the club's organization after hanging up his boots. He also expressed joy at the prospect of retiring after a derby match against rivals Deportivo, a game he considers particularly special. The club's sporting director, Marco Garcés, noted that Aspas's extended contract, which runs until 2029 but includes only one year as a first-team player, will help manage the club's wage bill, calling the legend's continued presence "good news for everyone."

Having a legend like him playing one more year is good news for everyone.

· Marco GarcésThe sporting director commented on Aspas's contract extension and impending retirement.
About this summary

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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