Sergio Rodríguez's emotional tribute and farewell ceremony
“We've all been able to enjoy your huge talent, your magic and your way of approaching basketball. You have earned the love and admiration of everyone who loves this sport”, said president Florentino Pérez, who presented him with the gold and diamond badge.
Real Madrid City played host to an emotional tribute and farewell ceremony for Sergio Rodríguez, one of our team's and European basketball's biggest legends, bringing to an end a successful career as a madridista having won 17 trophies in eight seasons. The outstanding point guard from the Canary Islands was joined by the president Florentino Pérez, who presented him with the club's gold and diamond badge, Real Madrid's honorary president, José Martínez Pirri and several members of the Board of Directors; Chus Mateo, his teammates Llull, Rudy, Alocén and Hugo González and Madrid legends like Felipe Reyes, Alberto Herreros, Emiliano Rodríguez, Clifford Luyk and Pablo Laso. Also present were former teammates such as Alocén and Garuba.
Following a video showing the best moments featuring the point guard from the Canary Islands, the president of Real Madrid addressed the audience and said: "Dear Sergio, dear Chacho: madridistas are today having a day of strong emotions and for that reason we would all like to offer you our immense gratitude for what you have represented to Real Madrid and the world of basketball".
"It has been a great honour for me, as president of Real Madrid, to be able to count on a player like you. Over and above the trophies and what you have achieved wearing this badge and this jersey, we will always remember the way you are and your warmth".
A unique player
"We've all been able to enjoy your huge talent, your magic and your way of approaching basketball. You have earned the love and admiration of everyone who loves this sport. And you have done so because on the basketball courts you were different and because, moreover, you have been an example and a highly professional player".
Example and legend
"You are already held in a very special place in the history of Real Madrid. You have spent 8 seasons becoming one of our biggest legends. You have played 580 games wearing this jersey and you have won 17 trophies: 2 European Cups, 1 Intercontinental Cup, 4 Leagues, 5 Copa del Rey and 5 Spanish Super Cups".
"Madridistas are proud of you, dear Sergio, not only because of everything you have won for Real Madrid, but also because you exemplify our values and everything that our club stands for: self-improvement, never giving up, respect, humility, teamwork and solidarity".
A symbol of madridismo
"Dear Chacho, you are bidding farewell to Real Madrid following another historic season: the year of the treble, having won the League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts today for everything that you have given us, for being a symbol of the values of Real Madrid, sport and life. I would like to wish you the very best in this new chapter with your family and your loved ones. Dear Sergio, thank you for your "Magic". As you well know, Real Madrid is and always will be your home".
Sergio Rodríguez: "President, thank you very much for the hard work and enthusiasm that the club puts into the basketball team"
"It's a real pleasure to be here. I'm saying goodbye today to something I love deeply: being a professional basketball player. First of all, I would like to start by thanking Real Madrid for providing me with the opportunity to bid farewell in this place, in a unique setting and on the back of a wonderful season together with my family, friends and many of the people who have been fundamental in my development as a professional basketball player".
"President Florentino, many thanks for the hard work and enthusiasm that the club has put into the basketball team. The recent success stems from the hard work over a long period of time to achieve these objectives. Since I joined the club in 2010 until the present day, the basketball team has benefited from a huge drive. The spectacular facility where we are today was created to develop and improve not only the first team but also the youth team, and it is a benchmark on a global level, on a par with the best NBA facilities, making Real Madrid a leading club in the recruitment of talent".
"During these eight years at Real Madrid, I have experienced your presence as a vital factor in having clear objectives, which, coming from you, can be none other than to win and to do so under the values that Real Madrid represents. Thank you very much for everything, presi".
"It's a real pleasure to be here. I'm saying goodbye today to something I love deeply: being a professional basketball player. First of all, I would like to start by thanking Real Madrid for providing me with the opportunity to bid farewell in this place, in a unique setting and on the back of a wonderful season together with my family, friends and many of the people who have been fundamental in my development as a professional basketball player".
"President Florentino, many thanks for the hard work and enthusiasm that the club has put into the basketball team. The recent success stems from the hard work over a long period of time to achieve these objectives. Since I joined the club in 2010 until the present day, the basketball team has benefited from a huge drive. The spectacular facility where we are today was created to develop and improve not only the first team but also the youth team, and it is a benchmark on a global level, on a par with the best NBA facilities, making Real Madrid a leading club in the recruitment of talent".
"During these eight years at Real Madrid, I have experienced your presence as a vital factor in having clear objectives, which, coming from you, can be none other than to win and to do so in accordance with the values that Real Madrid represents. Thank you very much for everything, presi".
After looking back over his entire professional career, Sergio Rodriguez spoke about Real Madrid: "I wanted to save until the end the club that has left the biggest impact on me as a sportsman and as a person. The place that I identify with the most: Real Madrid. When you sign for Real Madrid you are aware that you have an enormous responsibility, not only to your teammates, coaches and staff at the club, but also to millions of fans who follow us all over the world and to the club's history. I've been lucky enough to experience two incredible periods at this club, winning a total of 17 trophies, including two Euroleagues".