“Girona has allowed me to live the happiest years of my life”

2023-08-20 20:09:16

Nervous, Eloi Amagat waited to be called. “It’s been everything for Girona’s recent history,” Albert Bassas, the stadium speaker, introduced him. When they finally announced the name of the only footballer who has worn the white-and-red shirt in the First, Second, Second B and Third Divisions, Montilivi stood up, offering him a standing ovation, in the ‘height of the legend that is. “Hello everyone, good afternoon,” greeted the great captain, who received a commemorative plaque from President Delfí Geli.

Amagat’s speech was honest, deep and sincere, a mirror of which he has represented throughout a spectacular career, closed this summer. “I want to thank the president and the club for allowing me to say goodbye from here, from the lawn of Montilivi, which for me has been, is and will always be special”, began Amagat, who tried to summarize the feeling after so many years in Girona. Trained in Buenos Aires and Vilobí, he is indeed proud of Girona. “Above all, I would like to thank you for the years I have been here. Girona has allowed me to live the happiest years of my life.” It was hard not to get excited.

From the goal in Villarreal to the farewell to Primera

Eloi’s resume in the stadium is impressive. From the goal against Villarreal in the Copa del Rey, on the night of his debut in 2004, to the fact of playing in Primera, saying goodbye to that tenure in the year of the premiere, in 2018. In the middle, the great captain was forced to make turns: Palafrugell, Lorca and Gavà. And in Llagostera, the last stage before their return to Montilivi, after stepping into Second B and Third, and already stabilized in Second A. The team was one step away from moving up to First, losing the final against the Almería

Hidden overcame everything: the dramas of Lugo, Zaragoza and Osasuna. He never wavered, neither from responsibility nor from sporting prominence. Eloi was not only the boy of the house, he also played football well. Until he had the great prize of living the night of the first promotion and having minutes – not the ones he would have liked – in the top category. New York City and Olot were his last clubs.

It was logical, then, that he dedicate a few words to the fans who have always supported him. “And to you, fans, who from the first day, when I was nineteen years old, until the last, you made me feel very loved. Thank you very much.” The fourth season in the history of Girona in Primera was about to begin and the prolegomena were unbeatable. “Now, to support the club, which will give us a lot of joy! Long live Girona, see you soon!”, Amagat said goodbye, who after doing the service of honor, left amid the applause that accompanied him to the throughout a life of white-and-red.