Raúl García de Haro: “Playing against Betis will always be special”

“Playing against Betis will always be special,” Raúl García de Haro said ahead of facing his former club on Sunday. The forward explained what sets these matches apart: Betis gave him the chance to grow and make his debut in the top division. He retains great affection for the club, where he spent many years, and says several members of his family support it.

Before joining Osasuna, García de Haro made his mark as a goalscorer at Betis Deportivo. He then moved to Osasuna after a successful loan spell at CD Mirandés. Sunday’s meeting therefore brings him up against a club that played an important part in his career.

Asked about leaving Betis and whether he regretted it, the forward described a decision he had made with conviction. “At every stage, you have to choose what you think is best,” he said. The chance to join Osasuna came along and, at the time, four forwards were competing at Betis: Borja Iglesias, Willian José, Juanmi and García de Haro. He felt the club might have thought he would not get the playing time he needed. The move to Osasuna also appealed to him personally.

He admits he sometimes wonders what might have happened had he stayed, but says he has no regrets. He is now very happy at Osasuna and wants to keep improving and contributing to the team. He also expressed gratitude to Braulio Vázquez, who is no longer there, and to Cata for the confidence they placed in him and continue to show him every day. He viewed the move as a very good opportunity for both himself and Betis.

García de Haro also spoke about his personal life: he is in his fourth year “here” and says he is happy. He married Belén, who is from Seville, at Macarena. He described the day as spectacular, spent surrounded by loved ones, and as one of the best days of their lives. He has also scored 27 goals in Osasuna colours.