Real Betis center-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos has officially announced his retirement from professional soccer. The 35-year-old former Arsenal player will hang up his boots at the end of the current season.
Sokratis, who joined Real Betis earlier this season, expressed his gratitude towards the club and his decision to retire. “In October 2023, I made the decision to accept the offer to join this team. It was a great opportunity, a change of country, league, and home. Betis became a family for me. Everyone welcomed me as if I had been here for years. I loved the city, this team… Betis,” he said.
However, the Greek defender revealed that being away from his family has influenced his decision to retire. “But my life away from my family is what forces me to make this journey come to an end. But to put a happy ending to my career in football, nothing better than ending my career as a Betis player and playing in the Spanish League,” Sokratis explained.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards everyone who has supported him throughout his career. “I would like to thank everyone who has accompanied me on this journey: my teammates, the entire staff, the coach who believed in me from the first day and made me feel like I belonged to this family as if I had been here for years, and to the management of the club that chose me for this adventure of helping the team. And, of course, to all Betis for your support in victories and defeats,” he said.
Sokratis also mentioned that he has two games left wearing the Real Betis shirt and emphasized their importance. “I have two games left wearing this shirt, two very important games… the first tomorrow, in which we will give everything to win. I’ll wait for you all there. Thanks, Beticos,” he stated.
In conclusion, Sokratis expressed his unwavering loyalty to Real Betis. “Verdiblanco forever and ever!” he concluded.
