Sergio Leon: Joaquin ‘an idol’

Real Betis striker Sergio Leon has praised veteran teammate Joaquin and described the 36-year-old as ‘an idol’.

Cordoba-born Leon, who returned to Andalusia last summer from Osasuna for a reported fee of €3.5m and notched 11 league goals from 31 appearances during the season, has nothing but praise for the 36-year-old Betis captain.

“When you are in training Joaquin is the first to go up to everyone. Others his age are just passing the time but Joaquin shows week after week he is the best player on the team,” insisted Leon in an interview with BeIN Sports.

“We are all very proud to have him as a teammate. He is an idol, has been an idol, and will continue to be an idol.

“He mixes respect as a captain and person with the affection of a close friend; he is cheerful and gives everything he has.

“We have a good dressing room, a good atmosphere, and we are not colleagues but rather a family.

“As Joaquin said, if there is someone who is sad then tell a joke and it will bring out a smile in everyone.”

Leon also had some kind words for boss Quique Setien, who has steered Los Beticos into a European place and five points ahead of cross-city rivals Sevilla with one game remaining.

“I knew him from facing him, although not as a person, but he is very close to people.

“To be a Coach is very difficult, trying to keep everyone happy, but he is doing very well, rotating the team a lot, and he handles the dressing room very well."

La Liga - Club News