Veteran Betis Skipper Joaquin Signs New One-year Contract
Real Betis captain Joaquin Sanchez has signed a new one-year contract at the Estadio Benito Villamarin that will see him play beyond his 40th birthday.
The 39-year-old has been a loyal servant to the Andalusian based club, and has already cemented his place as a club legend.
Joaquin, who is in his second spell at the club, made his professional debut for Real Betis in 2000 before leaving for Valencia in 2006.
He took in further spells at Malaga and Italian side Fiorentina before returning to Real Betis in 2015.
Joaquin became the oldest player ever to score a hattrick in La Liga when he scored three times inside the opening 20 minutes in a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in December 2019.
Joaquin has represented Spain 51 times and played at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
He is the most capped outfield player in the history of the Spanish La Liga with 579 appearances to his name. Former Barcelona goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta leads the way with 622 games in the top flight.
Joaquin made 30 appearances in all competitions for Real Betis last season and scored two goals.
Under the tutelage of former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis finished sixth in the just ended La Liga season and will play Europa League football next term.
