As many of you imagine, I have a very special affection for number 10. On Wednesday of last week we managed to qualify for the Champions League. A decade in the top continental competition! This space of time not only demonstrates the change of cycle in the club’s history, but has also caused many to get used to it. It is unavoidable. Ten years is a long time and there are generations of children who have been born and raised with it. Athletes in Champions. They know nothing else (and how lucky they are!). But your older siblings, parents and grandparents know what I’m talking about. A few weeks ago it was the 20th anniversary of the return to the first division after two years in Hell. A promotion that was followed by several seasons of mid-table positions, Intertotos and so many other things that we have preferred to hide in memory now that our stomachs are full.
I do not say this as a reproach, but as a personal reflection. I think it’s important to put things in perspective. Getting used to the good is too easy, even dangerous. Taking things for granted, failing to be aware of the great value of this decade, of how difficult and extraordinary it has been to turn European qualification into something normal. Many will think “Of course. Paulobut this is his thing, the Athletes has to be in the Champions”. And I agree. But that does not fall from the sky, nobody has given it to us. You have to earn it. What has happened in this decade is something incredible. Extraordinary. We should take our hats off to this. My applause for the club, the board of directors, the coaching staff, the players, the unconditional fans and all those who have contributed their grain of sand in this prodigious decade.
I also take this opportunity to thank Luis Suarez, a Legend without a plaque for not reaching 100 matches, but that all mattress makers will always keep the Gunslinger in our hearts. This hobby knows how to value those who leave their mark. The same thanks to Héctor Herrera, who is also leaving at the end of the season. And of course also to our captains Laia, Meseguer and especially to AmandaAlthough he played with number 6 this last season, for a long time he experienced the greatest honor that I had the privilege of living: wearing the red and white shirt with number 10 together with the captain’s armband. A big hug for all of them and thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Aupa Atleti always!