Riki has bid farewell to Deportivo today, confirming that his decision not to renew his contract was tough, but taken back in December.
The 32-year-old, who has been with Depor since 2006, leaves this summer on a free transfer having failed to agree a new deal with the Galicians.
“Mentally I was not ready to leave Deportivo. But, I had taken the decision long ago and that was that,” Riki told reporters today.
Despite Depor’s season ending in last-day relegation, Riki enjoyed a personal best 13 goals in the top flight.
“It has been three tough years. At a mental level I have suffered enough stress and I need a change of scenery. I’m sad, I’m sorry for the team’s situation.
“My dream was to leave with them in the Primera Division, I tried up until the end, but things did not go as we planned.
“In the time I have been here I have given as much of me as I can and I think I can leave with my head held high and with a clear conscience.
“I will always carry Deportivo in my heart and this is a very difficult decision.
“I made it in December, when the team went into bankruptcy and we didn’t speak and negotiations went stagnant.”
