Juan Carlos Valeron has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, tearfully revealing his ‘best three years’ have been at Las Palmas.
Valeron, who turns 41 in June, has made more than 700 club appearances, the bulk of which came for Deportivo La Coruna, the midfielder also turning out for Las Palmas, Real Mallorca and Atletico Madrid, returning to the Canary Islands in 2013.
“I have decided to retire as a professional footballer at the end of the season. It’s a great pleasure and an honour to do it at my home club. I thank all my clubs, and the Las Palmas President for allowing this to be so beautiful,” he said, Las Palmas’ website reports.
“I’m very happy for everything I’ve experienced. I thank my family for all the love and support they have given me. I’ve had the best three years of my career here. This is like a fairy tale, I couldn’t ask for more. I thank the fans for all their love.”
Las Palmas President Miguel Angel Ramirez confirmed Valeron would take an ambassadorial role with the club, and thanked the former Spain international for his contribution.
“El Flaco’s presence has been crucial for us being in the Primera. It’s been important to have him in the League and the Copa del Rey. It’s a source of pride for us that he can retire at home,” Ramirez added.
“It’s a genuine honour for us to host the retirement of one of the best players from the Canary Islands and Spain, who has had a global impact.”
Las Palmas, who host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in their final home game of the season, also confirmed that the 21st minute will see an ovation dedicated to Valeron, who wears the No 21 shirt.
