After coming up through the club's youth system and ending his second stint at the Santiago Bernabéu, Diego Lopez is bidding farewell to Real Madrid.
The 32-year-old 'keeper is set to join AC Milan after the Italian club reached an agreement with Los Galácticos this week, and as someone who had the privilege of representing his boyhood team, he published an emotional goodbye on Thursday, thanking his former managers, his former teammates, and Real Madrid's supporters.
Per Real Madrid's official website:
32 years ago I was born in a small village in the province of Lugo, Paradela. I dreamed about one day becoming a footballer, but I never imagined that I would one day play for my club, that of my heart, Real Madrid. It is something that I will always be proud of. For this I have to thank the club and its president, Florentino Pérez, for giving me the chance to defend this badge.
For an academy player to return to the club of their life is the most amazing thing.
Thanks to two great managers (José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti) and their respective coaching teams for their confidence, for everything I have learnt from them; for giving me the chance to compete, which is the essence of sport.
Thanks to all my teammates, the physios, doctors, groundsmen and all club employees. It has been a privilege to have shared such moments of great happiness with you; thanks for always treating me with such warmth. I wish all of you the best.
And of course, my sincere thanks to Madrid's fans, this enormous family found all over the world. Thanks for your support and for your strength during this time: you will always be in my heart.
I leave happy, because I have given my all. My only objective was to work day upon day with respect, dedication and to passionately defend the values of the best club in the world.
For all of this I can say with great pride that every minute I spent with Real Madrid was like a gift sent from the heavens.
¡Hasta el final, vamos Real!
From a Madrid fan.
Diego López
During Lopez's second spell at Real Madrid, he made 62 appearances and earned the job as the club's first-choice 'keeper for La Liga matches last season.