De Marcos walked out of the locker room and onto the field, a sea of familiar faces lining the way. Teammates, former colleagues, staff, and family members formed a corridor to bid farewell to the 36-year-old Spanish defender. His jersey and trophy case stood waiting, a testament to his dedication.
❤️ The scene at De Marcos’ farewell press conference in Lezama. #MilaEskerDeMarcos #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/8eJrFLqsfe
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub)
May 22, 2025
In an emotional speech, De Marcos declared his love for the club. “I’m not here to say goodbye,” he began. “I’m here to thank the place where I grew as a person and a professional, giving everything I had and receiving so much more.”
De Marcos reflected on his journey, from his early days to finding his home at Athletic Bilbao. “I didn’t know how long this would last, but I found my place here. With time, I felt like I belonged. Lezama was about starting each morning with a purpose, and San Mamés has been my temple.”
“I’m leaving, yes, but I won’t be completely gone, because when you live this with so much love, it leaves roots. A part of me will stay forever. I’m leaving as I am because that’s what I was taught here.”
For De Marcos, Athletic Bilbao is more than just a team – it’s a family. “It’s not just a name or a football club. Here, what’s hidden is what’s most important: loyalty, fidelity, camaraderie, serving the group, walking together in silence.” He emphasized that being an Athletic fan means being loyal, just, and honest, even when no one is watching.
Despite starting his career at Alavés, De Marcos built his legacy at Athletic. With over 600 games under his belt, he retires with two Spanish Super Cups and a King’s Cup, all won during his time at Athletic. As he hangs up his boots, De Marcos leaves behind a lasting impact on the team and its fans.