Ricardo Santos reflects on ‘special’ Bolton Wanderers spell…
Ricardo Santos says he will “always be grateful” for the chance Wanderers gave him after a “special” five-year spell at the club.
Santos issued a heartfelt message to supporters following the confirmation that his five-year stay with the Whites has come to an end.
The towering defender played a key role in promotion from League Two and later took on the captain’s armband, leading the side out at Wembley as they thrashed Plymouth in the Papa Johns Trophy final.
His message read: “So my time here is up. Crazy! I never thought I’ll be writing this. Been a mad five years since I first signed.
“We came into League Two and everyone grafted to get us that promotion straight away. Being named Player of the Year that season, getting into the EFL Team of the Season and also being in the PFA Team of the Year four years in a row… that felt special.
“Then Ian Evatt gave me the captain’s armband. Honestly, that was a massive honour for me, especially at a big club like this. A really proud moment in my career.
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“Leading the lads out week in, week out and then taking you all to Wembley for the Papa Johns Trophy… lifting that cup in front of thousands of you, which still hasn’t sunk in yet. A day I definitely won’t forget! Happy days, as I said at the time.
“Played over 200 games for Wanderers and every single time I put that shirt on, I knew what it meant to represent this club and you fans.
“Always tried to be on my A-game for you. It’s been a true honour. Injuries affected me but I didn’t want to stop playing until I broke down. That’s how much Bolton meant to me.
“I’ll always be grateful for the chance I had here and for the backing you’ve given me and the team through all of it.
“I’ll definitely look back on my time at Bolton with fond memories, 100 per cent. I’ve met some friends for life, staff and players.
“Wish the club and all of you nothing but the best for what’s next. Hope to see Wanderers get back to where you belong. Thank you Bolton, love you forever! Rico.”
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