Basque pelota blog in english – Dos paredes

On Sunday, Fernando Goñi, winner of four Pairs Champioships in an illustrious twelve year career at the pinnacle of the sport, will play his last match for Aspe. The 37 year old from Zubiri made his professional debut in 1998, and took his first txapela in 2001, partnering Asier Olaizola to victory. Three further triumphs followed, in 2004 with Titin III, and in 2005 and 2009, both with Martinez de Irujo. He will be remembered as one of the greatest defenders of the decade. Aspe granted him a one year contract extension last year, and have declined to renew it. Offers from other empresas have not yet been forthcoming. Goñi has much to occupy him outside the world of pelota, running as he does the Hostal Quinto Real in Eugi, Navarre, but has hinted in an interview with Noticias de Gipuzkoa that he hopes to remain connected to the sport in some way. Whatever he goes on to do, Dos Paredes wishes Fernando all the best for the future.

His farewell game, which he will play in Eibar with Retegi Bi against Apezetxea and Beroiz, will be shown live on ETB Sat on Sunday from 17:00 CET.

I interviewed Fernando Goñi earlier in the year; if you missed it, you can read it here. You can also follow him on Twitter.

Image from El Correo, by Iosu Onandia