Osasuna captain Unai García held a farewell press conference Thursday morning, marking the end of his 25-season tenure with the club. He was joined by his teammates, coaching staff, board members, including club president Luis Sabalza, sporting director Braulio Vázquez, and various club employees.

"What makes me happiest is seeing where the club is today compared to when I started," García said. "Back then, we were in a difficult economic situation—it was a different era. Seeing Osasuna now, so well-established, leaves me with a clear conscience."

The homegrown player opened the event with words of gratitude.
"Above all, this press conference is to thank everyone who has been with me this past year—my teammates. They know I'm going to miss the daily grind with them. It's been wonderful; they know I'll always be there for whatever they need. It's been a pleasure sharing a locker room with them," he said.

"To this season's coaching staff: they didn't have an easy task stepping in after so many years under the same manager, but they gave everything. I'd rate this year very highly—we're playing for a spot in Europe on Saturday, which says it all."

He also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes staff: "Everyone who makes our day-to-day easier. You see us on the weekends, but the people behind the scenes—cooks, physios, groundskeepers, laundry staff—make everything possible. I don't want to forget anyone. I hope the great atmosphere in Tajonar continues, because it's like one big family, and I'm really going to miss that day-to-day routine."

García saved special thanks for his loved ones.
"To my family and close friends—those who've suffered and celebrated with me, who have been by my side throughout this journey. They know how much I love them, and it's been a pleasure sharing this path with them."

Reflecting on his career, García said, "I take everything with me. These have been wonderful years. I've made lifelong friends, including players I met in the youth ranks, whom I still keep in touch with. It's been meaningful for my family too—even though they've suffered at times, they've also enjoyed it, which stays with me."

He added, "These past few days have been full of emotion. I've received so much love—not just on Sunday at El Sadar, but through messages from former teammates, coaches, and people around me. It makes me think I must have done something right, and that's what I'll carry with me."

He also recalled the moment he first joined Osasuna at the age of eight. "That little boy could never have imagined the career he would have. I've looked back on it all—started in the second division during some very tough years for the club, experienced promotion, even a brief run in Europe, and also a terrible relegation that we still don't like to talk about. It's been quite the journey."

García highlighted key memories: "There have been beautiful moments—two promotions, a Copa del Rey final, and qualification for the Conference League. But if I had to choose one, it would be that first promotion. We came from Sabadell, just a bunch of young kids—David [García], [Alex] Berenguer, [Mikel] Merino, Jose [García], and I—and the club placed its faith in us. The goal was simply to avoid relegation, and we ended up getting promoted, sneaking into sixth place and winning the playoffs. Pamplona went wild. It was my first season—it was incredible."

"It's Important Not to Lose Perspective"

Asked about the current season, which concludes Saturday with Osasuna still in contention for European qualification, García said: "Osasuna has always been associated with suffering. Maybe we're starting to spoil the fans a bit, but now we're suffering for other goals—like getting into Europe—which is amazing, and I hope it continues for a long time."

"That's why it's important not to lose perspective. We are who we are. The other day, we reviewed the season, and with one match left, we've managed to stay ahead of teams like Girona, Sevilla, Mallorca, and Real Sociedad. That says a lot about this season."

García concluded with optimism: "I am hopeful. Hopefully, it happens. We have to do our part—win the three points—and then wait. That's the frustrating part when things aren't in your hands, but this is La Liga—it's never easy to win, and we'll be waiting to see if either of the others slip up."