Veteran playmaker Guti announced on Sunday his departure from Real Madrid after 15 seasons in the squad, without revealing his footballing future.
It is believed that the mercurial Guti, 33, will join Turkish giants Besiktas on a free transfer. In Istanbul he will be reunited with Bernd Schuster, one of his many coaches at Real.
He was loved by many fans because of his elegance and artistry, but also disliked by others because of his lack of consistency and fighting spirit.
On Sunday sports daily Marca described him as a “misunderstood and under-used genius.” In a crowded press conference on Sunday, Guti said that “I just want to give thanks to Real Madrid. I have lived many beautiful things here, but also some complicated ones. I will continue to play, but my heart will continue at Real.” Guti — whose full name is Jose Maria Gutierrez Hernandez — added that “I have enjoyed myself with the fans. They love me and I love them.” He finished by saying that “I have still not decided my future. I have an interesting offer from Besiktas but I have still not decided.
What I do know is that, wherever I go, I will give my very best.” Before Guti spoke the assembled media pack were shown a video of his brightest moments at the club.
Born in Torrejon just outside the capital, Guti joined Real’s youth sections at the age of nine and soon caught the eye with his precise passing and midfield mastery.
