An emblematic Deportivo captain has hung up his boots

The captain of Deportivo de La Coruña, Álex Bergantiños, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday, after 336 official matches defending the shirt of his city club, a figure that makes him the ninth player to have defended the blue the most times and white team for almost 117 years of its existence.

“I decided to end my career as a soccer player. This is the day I never wanted to come because football and Dépor are my passion, but I think the time has come to step aside”, declared the footballer in his farewell video.

Bergantiños, 38, points out that all these years he has removed himself from always trying to do what he believes is “the best” for his Depor“both on and off the field, regardless of conditions or categories.”

“In my childhood I had to be pushed from the stands or on television and I had the privilege of living directly the dream of any kid from Coruña: to be able to defend the shirt of their club in the city. They have been years of joy and sorrowbut as a family, we continue to push for Dépor to return to its rightful place and I am convinced that it will be soon”, he added.

The Bergantiños will defend the blue and white shirt for the last time next time Theresa Herrerawhich will be held on August 5 at the stadium of Riazor. Later, he will be part of the club’s professional structure “in a relevant position that allows him to take advantage of his full potential in the sports and corporate area,” Deportivo highlighted in its statement.

Alex Bergantinos He made his debut with Dépor at the age of 26, on August 27, 2011, in a Second Division match at Riazor against Recreativo de Huelva (1-0).

All in all, he contested 92 games (4 goals) in the First Division152 (5 goals) in the Second Division, 74 in the Second B or First Federation, 11 in the Copa del Rey, 3 (1 goal) in the playoff for promotion to the First Division and 4 (1 goal) in the playoff for promotion to the Second Division .