Football.- Koke: "I feel proud that a boy from the neighborhood manages to be the player with the most appearances at Atlético"

   MADRID, 6 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The captain of Atlético de Madrid, Koke Resurrección, was honored this Thursday at the Cívitas Metropolitano after beating Adelardo Rodríguez and becoming, with 554 official games, the player with the most games in the club's history, something that has taken him "a long effort and sacrifice" and for what he feels "a lot of pride.

"It has been a lot of effort and sacrifice. It is a source of pride that a boy from the neighborhood, from Vallecas, manages to be here today, to be the player who has played the most games for Atlético de Madrid", declared the Madrid player, who was visibly moved during the act.

Koke surpassed Adelardo's 553 games last Saturday at the Sánchez-Pijuán. "There are many feelings, but it's feeling what you do. It's important to feel identified with what you do and with what you feel, and that's what I do. And when you do it, you don't have to blame anything," he explained.

The midfielder stated that it was "a very special day" for him and wanted to thank everyone who "has been a part" since he began his career. "All of them have done their bit to make me the person I am, apart from being a footballer. I don't want to stay there, I want to continue much more," he added.

Koke pointed out that "beyond the titles", although Atlético must always fight for everything, "after the victories, all that remains are the people. "It is the most important thing for me, beyond winning titles or winning games ", he added.

The event was attended by the CEO of Atlético de Madrid, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, the president, Enrique Cerezo, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, members of the club's first team, their coach, Diego Pablo Simeone , and club legends such as Fernando Torres, Adelardo Rodríguez or Juanfran Torres among others, in addition to the footballer's family.

The Madrilenian wanted to stay "with what each one has said" about him, after listening to the messages of congratulations to him. "That they think that of me is something incredible and I hope I can continue like this, with my way of being, because it is what has made me get to where I am," he said.

The captain also emphasized that one should not listen to "people from outside" but rather that the Atléticos need to "stay together", because "what has made Atlético de Madrid great is that unity", while acknowledging be proud to be an example for the people of the quarry.

Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who along with Enrique Cerezo presented Koke with the entity's gold and diamond badge, recalled an anecdote. "We've known each other for 24 years and you've only given me a bad week, which was when you went from cadet to youth and Madrid came for you. Thank you for the trust and loyalty you showed at that time," said the leader .

For his part, Enrique Cerezo declared that "Koke is an example on and off the field" and "a source of pride for all athletes." "Since he was 6 years old in our club. A formidable player who has gone through all categories. Our captain is the best example for the young values ​​that are formed in our academy," he added.

The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, did not want to speak as "Atleti fan but as mayor" to emphasize that "Koke represents the best values ​​of sport" and that "he has been able to transcend" for "his values ​​as a person ". "The fans of any club are sure to feel proud that there is an athlete like him," he said.

His current coach, Diego Pablo Simeone, stressed that they have never "given him anything" and that they are not "going to give him anything", which gives more value to his figures. "I was lucky as a coach when we arrived to have a young boy with a lot of enthusiasm and we already said it in the locker room, he is a person with commitment, responsibility and always leading the way," he explained.

Fernando Torres, who was Koke's idol and later his partner, commented that "it's a very happy day." "I'm sure Koke feels very proud. He has a lot left. For me it has been lucky to be able to share with you some of the hundreds of games you've played, to have been able to share a dressing room, to have been able to inspire you as a youth player who made it to the first team" , he claimed.

Later, he addressed the midfielder, to whom he wanted to pass the baton metaphorically. "Now that responsibility is yours. Never change, because that's what has brought you these things, don't get tired, keep fighting until you can't anymore," he added.

During the act, Adelardo Rodríguez presented him with a commemorative plaque for his achievement, and the captains of the first team placed in his hands a special poster with the anniversary. In addition, his son gave him a special bracelet that he will wear at his next game.

José María Giménez was the one who had the responsibility to speak on behalf of the entire squad as one of the captains, an occasion he took advantage of to congratulate Koke for fulfilling what "any child in the academy dreams of", as he surely dreamed of "as a child ". "Thank you for being the person you are and the captain, and for continuing to write this beautiful story that is not over yet," he assured.

In addition, messages were sent by the national coach, Luis Enrique Martínez, his teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, as well as other personalities from the world of football such as Xavi Hernández, Quique Sánchez Flores, Gines Meléndez, comedian David Broncano and singers Dani Fernandez, Dani Martin and Leiva.

As a surprise, Atlético de Madrid also paid tribute to Adelardo Rodríguez for his career as a rojiblanco. "In this act we want to recognize the trajectory of two legends, two captains, two simple, humble and authentic people, with courage and athletic hearts and with great moments that will last forever," explained Enrique Cerezo.