Joaquin ‘knew he’d make Betis return’

Joaquin has said he never truly left Real Betis and always knew he’d one day return after being presented to the fans.

Some 20,000 Betis supporters are said to have turned out for the winger’s homecoming after a deal was agreed with Fiorentina.

“I have to thank the fans and Betis because I know the great effort they made for me to be a player here again,” Joaquin said, AS reports.

“It’s been difficult, hard weeks, but I’m where I will be happy and my family will be happy. I hope this is the beginning of many days of happiness.

“I never left Betis because my heart was always ‘Betico’. I have a lot of respect for Valencia and their fans, and I was at home in Malaga but now I’m like a little boy in a toy shop.

“I hope to give back all the love and respect I’ve been shown in my career. I knew I’d return one day and my heart spoke loudly.

“I experienced some beautiful moments in my first stint as a Betis player. This is the fulfilment of a dream, to wear this shirt and run on that field. We as a team have to fight to the end but that’s Betis’ character and our fans will feel proud of this team.

“People in Florence respected and loved me. I left my mark there but you can’t disagree with your heart.

“Pepe Mel congratulated me. I want to be another option for him. I come with full motivation and enthusiasm. I’m not 20, I’m 34. I can’t say I’m a better player now but I am more experienced.

“I’ve learned a lot from that. Physically I feel very good and I hope to enjoy this.”

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