Zaragoza’s heartbeat pledges future in emotional La Romareda farewell | OneFootball

Francho Serrano has signed a new contract with Real Zaragoza, extending his stay until 2030. The renewal was confirmed in dramatic fashion as Serrano addressed the crowd from the centre of La Romareda at the conclusion of the match against Deportivo de La Coruña, an event which also doubled as a farewell to the historic stadium.

Serrano’s previous contract was set to expire at the end of June, but the midfielder ended speculation over his future by declaring, “I have renewed with the club of my life,” to the home support. The announcement, coming immediately after Zaragoza mathematically secured their Segunda safety, was met with raucous applause and chants of his name from the stands.

Later in the evening, Real Zaragoza released a video on their official channels with Serrano delivering an emotive message to supporters, closing with: “Zaragocistas, me quedo”—confirming his intention to remain at the club he joined at the age of 12.

Details of the contract’s financial terms have not yet been disclosed, but the length of the extension underscores Serrano’s importance to the club’s future plans. The 23-year-old, who wore the captain’s armband on Sunday, is widely seen as the heartbeat of the current squad and a key figure around whom Zaragoza intend to build in the coming seasons.

A product of Zaragoza’s academy, Serrano made his senior debut in November 2020 and has since accumulated 164 competitive appearances, scoring 12 goals. This season, he has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign, further cementing his bond with the club and its fans.

The club’s hierarchy view Serrano’s renewal as a foundational step as they seek to rejuvenate the squad and reignite ambitions for a return to La Liga. Securing his commitment is also intended to serve as a boost to a fan base that has endured a campaign well below expectations but has continued to back the team.

Zaragoza’s celebrations at La Romareda, shaded with emotion as the old ground prepares for redevelopment, thus gained an added layer of significance—a blend of nostalgia and hope centred on the figure of Serrano.

Source: Diario AS, Heraldo de Aragón, Aragón Digital, Aragón Deporte