Sandra Paños announces Barcelona departure at the end of the season
The exodus of Barça Femení players contiues as goalkeeper Sandra Paños announced she is set to leave the Catalan side at the end of the season.
Paños' departure follows that of striker Asisat Oshoala who moved to Bay FC of the United States' NWSL. Barcelona reportedly received a fee of €150,00.
What both these players have in common is their contract was set to expire at the end of the season. In the case of Oshoala, the club was able to get a fee instead of losing her on a free.
"I would like to let you know that this will be my last season with FC Barcelona," Paños announcement said. "After nine years defending the net of the best team in the world, the time has come to put an end to this chapter.
"It has been a lot of fames and plenty of moments lived since arriving in Barcelona in the summer of 2015. I've lived my dreams here, and more than the trophies, filling the Camp Nou, and becoming one of the captains, I feel grateful and privileged that we've buld this together during this time. For me, the legacy we can leave behind to future generations goes beyond sporting success, and the social transformation that his club has been a part of makes me feel proud."
Culés, tengo algo que deciros 💙❤️
— Sandra Paños (@sandra_panos1) February 2, 2024
Culers, tinc un missatge per a vosaltres 💙❤️
El Barça es y será para siempre mi casa 💙❤️ A gaudir junts d’aquests últims mesos, culers pic.twitter.com/Dmmcj6OKgk
Paños has featured in 270 games for Barcelona, conceding only 137 goals and keeping 166 clean sheets. She's won everything with the club, including two Champions League. She's won 20 trophies during her stay, with only Melanie Serrano, Alexia Putellas, Vicky Losada, Marta Torrejón and Mariona Caldentey having won more.
This season has been a difficult one so to speak. Paños is no longer the starter with Cata Coll taking over following her World Cup performance with Spain where she became the starter en route to winning the the competition
Next. Barcelona president on Xavi Hernandez's decision to leave the club. Barcelona president on Xavi Hernandez's decision to leave the club. dark
But Paños never complained about her secondary role this season. She became a club legend and befitting her status, will get the opportunity to bid farewell to the Barcelona supporters. Having already won the Women's Spanish Super Cup, there are still three more pieces of silverware she can add to her collection before her Barcelona career comes to a close.