All good things must come to an end. and after nine years, it's time for Diego Godin to leave Atlético Madrid.
Speaking in a press conference earlier today, the Uruguayan center back revealed the end of his nine years at Atlético, mainly because he was not able to sign a contract extension with Los Colchoneros.
The team captain was joined at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium by most of his team-mates, his coach, and his family, who caused the player to break out into tears at one point of his speech.
"These are my last days at Atlético. This presser was called up to tell you this. Out of all the love I feel for this club, for this jersey, I will always be a fan of this team. This is not just a club, it's a family, it's been my way of life, and it's really hard for me to say goodbye to all of it," a tearful Godín said.
Godín admitted that negotiations to extend his contract were unsuccessful, which is the main reason for him to leave.
"We could not agree terms of my new contract, and this is the end of a stage in my career. I'm proud to be part of this team's history. I feel a big pain for having to leave, but I know in my heart that I gave everything for this club. I can only respect this club, this jersey will be a big part of my life," the team captain added.
Antoine Griezmann could not hold back his tears when listening to the Uruguayan, one of his closest friends.
The player shared a four-minute video to bid farewell to the club and to thank his supporters.
GRACIAS DE CORAZÓN pic.twitter.com/EKPcnij3Ac
— Diego Godín (@diegogodin) May 7, 2019
As soon as the news broke out, the team issued a tribute video on their Twitter feed for the man that gave Los Colchoneros their most recent La Liga title in 2014.
"Captain, role model, leader, Uruguayan, passion, commitment, legend, nine years in red and white. Thanks Diego Godín!"
CAPITÁN
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 7, 2019
EJEMPLO
LÍDER
¡U-RU-GUA-YO!
ENTREGA
COMPROMISO
LEYENDA
temporadas en rojo y blanco
¡#GraciasGodín! #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/bPMuaIGirz
Gerard Piqué also praised the Uruguayan footballer.
"Diego Godin is leaving Atlético. Huge respect for a once-in-a-lifetime center back. Best of luck in the future. Here, in La Liga, you will be sorely missed".
Se va @diegogodin del @Atleti. Respeto enorme para un central de época. Mucha suerte en el futuro. Aquí, en @LaLiga, se te echará de menos.
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) May 7, 2019
Other team members also shared tributes to the departing captain on social media.
"Pharaoh, you are a teacher in every sense of the word. Thanks for everything you taught us and for everything you did for this club. We will miss you very much here, you are a legend!"
El Faraón, eres un maestro en todos los sentidos. Gracias por todo lo que nos has enseñado y por lo que has hecho por el club. Te echaremos mucho de menos en el equipo.
— Saúl Ñiguez Esclapez (@saulniguez) May 7, 2019
¡Eres Leyenda @diegogodin!#GraciasGodin pic.twitter.com/vcvsBMdb1Y
"A leader from day one. All I can say is thanks for these nine years of joy, sorrow, and life lessons by your side that will forever be engraved in Atlético's history. So long, captain, forever my brother. This will alwats be your home. I love you very much, Diego Godín"
Líder desde el ejemplo, solo puedo agradecerte estos 9 años de alegrías, de penas y de mil momentos aprendiendo a tu lado que quedarán grabados en la historia del @Atleti. Hasta siempre capitán, hasta siempre hermano. Ésta será siempre tu casa. Te quiero mucho @diegogodin pic.twitter.com/4wYk7CTXZy
— Koke Resurrección (@Koke6) May 7, 2019