Rubén García: "My mutual love with Osasuna goes beyond football"

Osasuna midfielder Rubén García appeared at a press conference on Thursday morning following his contract extension with the club through 2027. The midfielder was joined by Osasuna sporting director Braulio Vázquez and said that joining the club “completely changed my life.”

García, who wears No. 14, began by thanking the club and said that “for some time now, this mutual love has been something extraordinary.” He added that it goes “beyond the sporting side, which always exists and is essential in the relationship between a club and a player. I think there has been something more — something intangible and emotional.”

He noted that his upbringing may have played a role in that connection. “I don’t know if it’s also because my parents instilled values in me that align with what Navarre, the club and Pamplona represent,” he said.

“I think I found my place, I found where I belong. I’ve grown, I’ve matured, and I’m a very different person from the one who arrived,” García said. “From a sporting point of view, I’ve improved, but I think I’ve become a better person here. I’ve absorbed the values and culture, and honestly, when I was thinking about coming here, I never imagined it would be such a long and beautiful journey.”

García also emphasized the personal impact of his time at the club. “Beyond what I’ve achieved on the field, on a personal level I’ve met the person who will probably be my future wife. I’ve been able to help my family, my parents and my friends enjoy Pamplona and El Sadar, above all,” he said. “All of those memories, moments and feelings will undoubtedly last over time for all of us — so why not extend it?”

The winger said he continues to feel good physically and emotionally. “Not just in terms of performance, but in my daily routine — training, enjoying myself, feeling important within the group and feeling happy day to day in Pamplona,” he said.

García also addressed his role in the locker room. “Those of us who have been here longer try to pass those values on to the younger players who keep growing and pushing us,” he said. “I think this is the year with the most competition for my position, but I’m proud to keep helping the club, the team and my teammates — contributing what I can on the pitch and, even more so, in the dressing room.”

Braulio Vázquez: “He has changed the club’s recent history”

Osasuna sporting director Braulio Vázquez praised García’s importance to the club. “He’s a very important player for us and for me personally,” Vázquez said.

“He’s only known successful cycles here — a wonderful promotion, a Copa del Rey final, six comfortable relegation battles, playing in the Conference League,” Vázquez said. “And beyond sporting success, on a personal level he represents the values of Navarrese society.”

Vázquez highlighted García’s leadership and commitment. “He’s involved, he has identity, he’s an example for his teammates and he’s a captain,” he said. “I saw a statistic today that he’s just three or four matches away from surpassing Iñaki Ibáñez and entering the top 15 players with the most appearances in the club’s history.”

“But beyond that, beyond his goals and assists — which are outstanding numbers — what stands out to me is his commitment,” Vázquez added. “For me, he has changed the club’s recent history. The club’s history is remarkable in itself, but this has been an outstanding signing on every level, both sporting and in terms of involvement. That’s why I’m delighted.”