Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos said goodbye to Sevilla on Tuesday in tears, after his transfer to Rayados de Monterrey, and with the feeling of having “lived in something that is more than a club” and that his five years in the Andalusian capital have meant “more than just a step through an institution.”
Ocampos, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, said in the box at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium that he is leaving “a Sevilla fan for life” having experienced during his time at the Seville club “moments that will never be erased from my mind, good and bad moments, like the current one.”
Regarding the current situation of the team with which he has played 208 games, with 44 goals and 22 assists, since his arrival in 2019, the international with the Albiceleste advised “to be united” and asked for “confidence in the people” because he is “sure that the players will reverse this situation”, for which he also has “full confidence in the coach”, Xavi García Pimienta.
The versatile Argentine player, who arrived from Olympique de Marseille, stressed that he knows, from being “in the dressing room, who leads and who doesn’t” in the current Sevilla team and assured that “the people who are there have personality and will pull the cart so that this doesn’t sink” despite the bad start to the season.
The winger, winner of two Europa League trophies with Sevilla (2020 and 2023), considered that, “at 30 years old, the Rayados option came up” and that his transfer also serves to “leave some” money in the club’s coffers when he faces his last contract campaign, since he wanted to “leave well” from the entity.
He also explained that he is leaving for Mexico “to continue competing” in what has been “a family and personal decision,” which he said has left “all parties happy, although it was not easy.”
“I feel proud of everyone who makes up this club. I am saying goodbye after five years at a club that has been a family. I cannot put into words how difficult it is to say these words. I thank Monchi for having believed in me, all the coaches; Mendilibar for putting a smile on my face after a few difficult months at Ajax and Lopetegui, who was a father to me,” said Ocampos.
The Rayados player said he had “fully enjoyed every last game with Sevilla”, where he was “one hundred percent happy, even in the bad times”, since he arrived “as a young man of 25 years” and here he had “the honour and responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband”.
“I leave half my heart in this institution for which I gave everything,” concluded the Argentine, who was accompanied by the president of Sevilla, José María del Nido Carrasco, his vice president, José Castro, the captain Jesús Navas and several players from the current squad.
At the event, Ocampos could not help but shed tears when a video was shown of his best moments as a Sevilla player and he was also moved by the farewell messages that have been sent by former teammates such as the Moroccan Bono, Escudero, the Brazilian Fernando, the Croatian Rakitic or his compatriots Banega, Acuña, Mudo Vázquez or Papu Gómez, among others.
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Lucas Ocampos Says Emotional Goodbye to Sevilla, Joins Rayados de Monterrey
In a tearful farewell, Argentine striker Lucas Ocampos bid adieu to Sevilla FC on Tuesday, bringing an end to his five-year stint with the Andalusian club. The 30-year-old’s transfer to Rayados de Monterrey marks a new chapter in his career, but not before he expressed his gratitude and affection for the club that has become a second home to him.
A Sevilla Fan for Life
Accompanied by his wife and two daughters, Ocampos addressed the Sevilla faithful at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, his voice cracking with emotion. “I leave a Sevilla fan for life,” he declared, highlighting the unforgettable experiences he’s had during his time with the club. “I’ve lived moments that will never be erased from my mind, good and bad moments, like the current one.”
Unity and Confidence in the Players
Before departing, Ocampos offered words of encouragement to his former teammates, advising them to “be united” and expressing his confidence in their ability to reverse the team’s current situation. He also showed his support for coach Xavi García Pimienta, stating that he has “full confidence” in him.
A Leader’s Parting Words
The versatile Argentine winger, who has played 208 games for Sevilla with 44 goals and 22 assists, shared his insight on the team’s dynamics, revealing that he knows “who leads and who doesn’t” in the dressing room. He assured that the players have the personality and will to ”pull the cart” and overcome their current struggles.
A New Chapter in Mexico
Ocampos explained that the offer from Rayados de Monterrey presented an opportunity for him to “continue competing” at the highest level, while also allowing him to “leave some” money in Sevilla’s coffers during his final contract campaign. He described the transfer as a “family and personal decision” that has left “all parties happy, although it was not easy.”
Gratitude and Appreciation
The two-time Europa League winner with Sevilla (2020 and 2023) expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the club’s hierarchy, coaches, and players. He thanked Monchi for believing in him and acknowledged the impact of coaches like Mendilibar and Lopetegui on his career. “I feel proud of everyone who makes up this club. I am saying goodbye after five years at a club that has been a family,” he said.
A Piece of His Heart Left Behind
Ocampos reflected on his growth as a player and a person during his time in Seville, where he arrived as a 25-year-old and had the honor of wearing the captain’s armband. “I leave half my heart in this institution for which I gave everything,” he concluded, his emotional farewell a testament to the strong bond he has formed with the club and its fans.
As Lucas Ocampos embarks on a new chapter in his career, Sevilla FC and its supporters will undoubtedly miss his passion, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, and his departure will serve as a reminder of the special connection he shared with the Andalusian club.
Key Takeaways
Lucas Ocampos bids emotional farewell to Sevilla FC after five years with the club.
The Argentine striker joins Rayados de Monterrey in a new chapter of his career.
Ocampos expresses gratitude to Sevilla’s hierarchy, coaches, and players.
He advises his former teammates to “be united” and has confidence in their ability to overcome current struggles.
The winger’s transfer allows him to “continue competing” and “leave some” money in Sevilla’s coffers.
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Lucas Ocampos
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* Football legend