Guti leaves Real Madrid after 24 years

Jose Maria Gutierrez 'Guti' put an end to his run at Real Madrid with a press conference, during which he was accompanied by Director General Jorge Valdano. Prior to the act, President Florentino Perez thanked the player for everything he's done for Real Madrid and wished him luck for the future.

Guti has won five Spanish league titles and is a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

The full transcript of Guti's press conference:

"Thank you all. I leave knowing Real Madrid will always be my home. Part of my heart stays here today. I would like to return after retiring as a player."

"I would like to thank Real Madrid for being so good to me. I've been at the Club 24 years and I achieved something very important to me: to play for the best team in the world and grow both as a player and as a person at Real Madrid. I owe half my life to Club because it's been like a family to me. The values this shirt represents have all been instilled in me. I've had good and bad moments here, but the fans have always been there for me and I am very grateful. The fans are great and I've had a great connection with them over the years."

"I know Madridismo loves me. The fans have given me a lot and we've shared many joys together. If they miss me then I've done a good job. I am about to begin a new and exciting stage in my career and I wish to enjoy being in a new country to the fullest. This has been a beautiful and glorious experience, but these things happen in football all the time. Younger players need to be given way and I feel proud and happy for having played here."

"I'd like people to remember me for my passes and for having been a Madridista that gave his all for the team. I always wished to play for Real Madrid and I did my best to stay, refusing very tempting offers to play elsewhere. One of the best things I've experienced is the great mixture of star players and youth teamers on the team. I am proud of that."

"I wouldnt have been able to achieve all this without my team-mates. My best relationships on the squad were with Raul and Alvaro Benito, who were also from the academy. Real Madrid have to promote players from the youth system. I know the Club is working hard on that. I'm sure new Gutis will come out of the academy."

Jorge Valdano
"Guti is a unique player who's been with us 24 years, 15 of them at the highest level. He is a player capable of surprising everyone in each game. One of our own leaves today, but we have to do our best to make this a good day. Guti has brought joy to the Club by helping the team win many titles and by providing fans with unforgettable memories. Madridismo is grateful."