Back
Gómez: "I will always be a Perico"
The captain bids farewell to RCD Espanyol
Sergi Gómez leaves RCD Espanyol this summer after four seasons. The defender and captain bid farewell in an interview with Espanyol Media, reflecting on a successful time in his career.
"When you arrive at a club, you don't realise what might happen... Fortunately, these have been four years in which everything has turned out well. I'm happy and proud to have worn this shirt and the same captain's armband as our beloved number 21 (Dani Jarque). I'm very happy with this stage of my career and I will be a Perico forever,” he stated.
Gómez, who arrived as an important reinforcement for the defense, took on a leadership role in the dressing role.
"In my day-to-day life, I approach life and football with a clear philosophy. I've gone through many stages, with periods of greater or lesser participation, and also injury problems that have affected me. But I understand that this is life and this is football. As an experienced player and a leader in the dressing room, I've always tried to contribute, both on and off the pitch. The young players come through very prepared, but they have to be taught. As captain, my responsibility is to keep the group active and motivated, and focus everyone on the same goal: Staying up."
"After Sergi Darder's departure, I took a step up in a very difficult year. The team trusted in me, and I assumed that responsibility with everything it entails. I've believed in the group from the very beginning, and I feel very happy about this time in my career, which leaves me with unforgettable memories," he added.
"I knew about the feeling that comes with being at Espanyol, but truly experiencing it allowed me to see that it's something that is carried within, that's passed down from generation to generation. I've met many people who are Espanyol fans. I'll always be just a Perico," explained Gómez.
The player also expressed his gratitude to coach Manolo González, who called him 'an excellent professional' in his last press conference.
"I'm very grateful. I'm not surprised by the affection I've received because it's been mutual; it's a reciprocal love. I've always spoken highly of the coach, because I feel that way. He put on his superhero cape to return the team to where they deserve to be. Both he and the coaching staff deserve it, because they've experienced football from the bottom up, from the lower levels, taking notes with a pen and notebook. That experience has taken them to the elite," he reflected.
"I've always considered myself a very positive person, and I've tried to convey that. There are always reasons to be sad or angry, but it's not worth it. A smile is contagious. These haven't been easy years, but the important thing is how they end. Now it's time to look forward with joy and optimism, because this club will continue to grow."