Whilst the flying winner never quite reached the dizzying heights his talent suggested, former Spain international Joaquin has always remained a club legend at Real Betis.
Nine years after leaving the club for Valencia, the 34 year old returned to his old stomping ground on the final day of the transfer window.
And what a welcome he received.
20,000 adoring fans turned up to greet the former Fiorentina player during a club presentation, scenes that almost brought the man to tears.
Juan Carlos Ollero, president of Betis spoke about the clubs new aquisition
“He was still a Betis man over there but now he’s back where he belongs. He hasn’t come back empty-handed, but as the best player in Europe that we’ve found in this transfer period”.
Speaking about his glorious reception, Joaquin commented;
“I’m on a high, it’s very emotional, I want to thank the fans and Betis because I know the effort they made to bring me back here again. I wanted more than anything to come home. These have been difficult weeks, hard to take, but I am here where I’m going to be happy with my family and I can’t forget my agent Eduardo Espejo, who suffered through it all with me. I hope this is the first of many happy days.”
The tricky winger had just last season helped Fiorentina to a Champions League place, notching up 49 appearances during the campaign. Despite a year left on his contract, the Italian club allowed the player to leave upon his special request to return home.