Joaquín Sánchez is one of the most remembered and significant names in football in Spain. Despite not having careers elevated by recognition and international successes like those of Fernando Torres, David de Gea, Andrés Iniesta or Xavi Hernández, the one from El Puerto de Santa María became a legend of Real Betis Balompié, wearing their shirt for more than 20 years and winning two Copas del Rey.
However, this week has been marked by a tragedy in his family: the death of his father. “Real Betis Balompié expresses its deepest regret for the death of Don Aurelio Sánchez, father of our legend Joaquín Sánchez. Rest in peace,” the seventeen bars club reported in a statement through social networks. Since that moment, thousands of people have paid their respects to the family of the well-known captain.
Joaquín himself has not been slow to inform his followers of what happened, and has published an image of his father with some emotional words in his memory. “Opaito, how great you are and how much love you gave us. How much your whole family loves you knowing that you are gone. Opaito, how important you were for all of us. Today without you, you are more present than ever. Opaito, forgive me if ever “I failed you, it was very difficult to live up to you. You are the greatest,” he began by saying.
The former soccer player could not be more devastated after this march, and he made it known in the publication shared this Saturday. “Opaito, we all cry for you knowing that there will not be another like it, I want you to know that every day we are going to miss you. Opaito, I want to tell you that all of Spain has shown me its love. From north to south… Your @realbetisbalompie of your soul , even @sevillafc. Opaito, how much I love you, you boasted about your son to the whole world. I LOVE YOU OPAITO”, he stated.
Beyond his words, the reactions of Betis and football fans in general have also been read and heard. “A lot of strength Joako! From the other side of Seville, from Nervión, a Sevillista accompanies you in his feelings, to you, to your family and to all the Beticos, may he rest in peace, a very strong hug. Joako Strength. There are no colors in this, cheer up friend Joako,” wrote a fan of Joaquín and company’s great rival, Sevilla Fútbol Club.
The Nervión club has also left a statement among the reactions: “Sevilla Fútbol Club expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Don Aurelio Sánchez, as well as to Real Betis Balompié. D.E.P.”. “He saw his son lift a title again with the thirteen stripes shirt and later, a historic and unparalleled farewell to a legend like Joaquín Sánchez. Rest in peace, Don Aurelio,” lamented another user.
