Pablo Hernandez has completed an emotional return to his hometown club Castellon in what looks like his swansong.
The 36-year-old has agreed a deal running until 2024 after agreeing to end his contract with Leeds United early this summer.
Despite reported offers of more money and better competition, Hernandez has found the fairytale sign off impossible to resist.
Castellon were relegated last season from Segunda Division in Spain and will play 2021/22 in Primera Division RFEF, the third tier of Hernandez’s homeland.
Hernandez became a co-owner of the club in June 2017 when he joined forces with other investors to take over the Nou Estadi Castalia outfit.
However, in April 2019 he took a step back from any responsibilities at Castellon, but has remained as a shareholder throughout the past two years.
The signature has been announced on the club’s 99th birthday as it begins to look ahead to celebrations of its 100th year.
Reports in Spain yesterday discussed the project being sold to Hernandez, with him at the centre of their quest to win promotion and climb the ladder.
With a three year contract which will take Hernandez to his 40th year, the club is providing some security and vision for what they wish to create with him across the medium term.
Hernandez made just three Premier League starts in his final campaign at Elland Road and with the final years of his career upon him, the need for regular football and a move was obvious.
