El Chispa closed a long chapter in the top flight after 19 seasons with the first division in Mexican football.
After a six month period without a club, Efrain Velarde known as Spark announced his retirement from professional football. The 37 year old left back confirmed he was stepping away following a 19 year career in Mexico’s first division.
With a tone that mixed courage and heartbreak Velarde shared a farewell message via a video released on his social networks. He expressed deep gratitude to every club that gave him the chance to wear their shirts and be part of their stories.
Velarde made his professional debut with UNAM Pumas during the Clausura 2004 season, a match in which he scored against Monterrey at the Estadio Universitario. Across ten seasons with the team he earned league titles on four occasions and also celebrated a Champion of Champions trophy win, underscoring his importance in a successful era for the club.
Throughout his career the left back wore the colors of several prominent Liga MX teams including Monterrey, León, Toluca, Morelia and Mazatlán before returning to UNAM in 2021 for a final year and a half that sealed his long association with the club that gave him his start. He also represented the Mexican national team, taking part in regional tournaments such as the Gold Cup and the Copa América, adding international credentials to a career spent mostly in domestic competition.
Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- Monterrey
- America
- Chivas
- Toluca
- Tigres
- Other
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Which team will win the Clausura 2023 Liga MX?
- 18%Monterrey
- 3.4%America
- 25%Chivas
- 4%Toluca
- 9%Tigres
- 10%Other
7043 to vote
Source: Goal