Istillart: "This was the hardest decision of my life"

Athletic was surprised yesterday at the announcement of the intention of Sophie Istillart quit football at age 26. The midfielder was injured in January – rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee – and on March 2 he underwent surgery. The recovery was happening according to plan, but he had been thinking about the decision for some time and this important physical setback, the second serious setback in his career, had caused events. It became a “signal” to change activities.

The Iparralde player appeared today to explain his departure accompanied by his teammates, the coaching staff, the sports director, Joseba Aguirreand the president, Aitor Elizegi. First he utters a few words and then he attends to the media. Those present in Lezama’s press room applauded at various times, especially when he was moved. “It’s been a very special day. It’s been a very difficult decision, the hardest of my life. I’ve been playing football since I was eight years old and I know Athletic has done a lot for me. I’m sad to make it. “It’s a decision here with all of you. Leaving football is a personal decision. I’ve been thinking for a long time that the time has come to get away from the field”, he stated.

The midfielder left the playing field, but not football. He will work for Athletic in the Iparralde area which draws young talent like him, who came from Girondins de Bordeaux last season. “I will try to help as much as I can. I am very happy to be able to work for Athletic, I want more players to come here. There is a lot of work in Iparralde in this area ”, he acknowledged.

“I feel like I have fulfilled my career, I have fulfilled my dream and I have had the honor to play in Athletic. I am honored to wear this shirt and uphold your values ​​that I value. I’ve only been here for two years but I feel at home. I have to be thankful that the club found me and I am proud to be the first footballer from Iparralde to play for Athletic. It has been the best sporting and human experience of my life ”, added one from Baioa.

Istillart He thanked all the teams he had previously played for, especially the Girondins. “I want to thank my family, friends, my sister, all the club employees, the president, the board members and the director of sports, Joseba Aguirre. Finally, I want to thank all my teammates, the medical staff and the teaching staff for two great years at Athletic. It will leave a mark on me for life. Athletic has no boundaries. I just wish you a good end of the season, I will be your first follower. Hiring Athletic “, has ended.