Real Betis lose another defender for next season as former Arsenal player announces retirement
Real Betis defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season. The 35-year-old defender, who also boasts Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan on his CV, has decided to hang up his boots after next weekend's trip to Real Madrid.
Sokratis signed for Betis last autumn following the unexpected departure of Luiz Felipe and the season-ending injury suffered by Marc Bartra. In total, he has played 14 times for Manuel Pellegrini's side, and with German Pezzella missing for Sunday's clash against Real Sociedade, he should be in the line-up for the final home game of their season. He announced the news of his retirement on Instagram, as per AS Diary.
“October 2023, I made the decision to accept the offer to join this team which for me was a great challenge, changing country, league, home. Betis has become a family for me, everyone welcomed me as if I've been here for years. I've loved the city, the team. But my life away from my family is what makes this journey come to an end. So I'm happy that my own football career is ending Betis in La Liga.
“I want to thank everyone who has been with me on this journey. My teammates, all the staff of the team, the coach who believed in me from the first day and made me feel like I belong to this family for years. And the management of the team that chose me for this collaboration. And all the fans of the team for your support in victories and defeats.
“From the last matches remaining with the Betis jersey, two very significant matches, with the first match tomorrow we will do everything to win! I'm waiting for you all here! Thank you Beticos!! Thank you Verdiblancos!”…
The departure of Sokratis means that The Real Betis lose another defenseman for next season. Juan Miranda is set to leave as a free agent, Abner Vinicius is set to join Lyon, while Pezzella German has been linked with a return to Argentina. Pellegrini will certainly need reinforcements during the summer.
