Miguel de las Cuevas: 17 years of soccer, dreams fulfilled and farewell with a heart full of gratitude

Hello everyone, I am Miguel de las Cuevas, professional soccer player. Today, February 3, it was 17 years ago that I made my debut in the First Division with Atlético de Madrid, thus fulfilling the dream I had since I was a child. On this special date for me, I would like to announce my retirement from professional soccer. Today I close a wonderful stage, full of challenges, joys and learning. At this special moment, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the people who have accompanied me on this beautiful and hard road. To my wife, Esperanza, who has been my support and companion since we were children. Who would have thought, when we were only 10 years old, that we would form a family and that you would be by my side in every step of my career. Thank you for your love, your patience and for being my refuge in the most difficult moments. To my children, Miguel and Elena, for being my source of energy and motivation. You have been my greatest inspiration when my strength faltered. To my parents Miguel Ángel and Maribel, for instilling in me the values that have always accompanied me and for respecting my decisions since I was a child. Thank you for your unconditional support, you are the best. To my siblings Isabel and Carlos, for sacrificing so much to be by my side. For accompanying me on my trips, games, and for always being there, sharing every moment with me. To my grandmother, the one who when I kicked the ball for the first time was the first one who believed in me and took care of me like a second mother. A Pepe Mesaswho has been more than my agent, thank you for your advice, for guiding me like a father and for always being there for me. To my colleagues in the world of soccer, especially my teammates. Without you nothing would have made sense. Thank you for sharing unforgettable moments with me and teaching me so much on and off the field. To the coaching staff I have had, for your dedication and patience. And to all the employees who are part of the clubs where I have participated: goalkeepers, doctors, presidents, delegates, gardeners, sports directors, managers etc … your work often invisible makes soccer possible. I want to make a special mention to the teams that have shaped my career: To the Colegio los Agustinos de Alicante, where I took my first steps and learned values that have accompanied me until today. ToKelme CF, who taught me the organization of a great club when I was just a child. To the Valencia CF youth academy, where at only 14 years old I left home to pursue my dream and grew both as a person and as a footballer. To Hercules CFmy hometown team. Playing in the Rico Perez was my dream as a child and thanks to them I made my debut when I was only 15 years old. To Atlético de Madridfor trusting me after a serious injury and allowing me to make my debut in the First Division and in the Champions League. To Sporting de Gijónwhere I lived unforgettable moments such as that victory at the Santiago Bernabéu with Manolo Preciadoa figure that marked my career. To CA Osasunawhere my sons were born, two Navarrese of whom I am deeply proud. Thanks to this great land for taking such good care of us and for making my time there a unique experience. To Spezia CalcioFor giving me the opportunity to enjoy soccer in another country and to get to know the wonderful Italian culture. To Cordoba CF, for welcoming me with open arms and giving me one of the most special seasons. There I met incredible people and felt a lot of affection. To Orihuela CFthe team of the town of my mother’s family where I decided to end my career, where everything has had a special meaning. I leave having played more than 500 games, more than 200 of them in the First Division. I have had the good fortune to score goals in all categories of Spanish soccer: First Division, Second Division, Second Division, Second B, First Federation, Second Federation and King’s Cup. I never imagined, when I was a child, that I would get this far. Thanks to all of you who have been part of this journey. Thanks to the soccer ball, which has been my best friend, thanks to FOOTBALL, which has given me everything. I say goodbye with a heart full of gratitude. Miguel de las cuevas.