Espanyol vs Sevilla preview - De la Pena poised for fond farewell

Posted Saturday, May 21, 2011 by PA

Espanyol midfielder Ivan de la Pena will say goodbye to the club's fans in an emotional match at home to Sevilla in the Primera Division on Saturday night.

A tearful De la Pena, who has been plagued by injuries in the last two seasons, announced his retirement in a press conference on Thursday but has been called up to the squad by coach Mauricio Pochettino and is set to make only his second appearance of the season as a late substitute at Cornella.

"My head wanted to go on, but I body just couldn't any longer," De la Pena said.

"I've given everything. I would have liked the last few years to have been different, but they have helped me grow as a footballer and as a person."

One player who will not be on the pitch to take part in De la Pena's farewell will be Carlos Kameni.

The Cameroon goalkeeper looks set to leave Espanyol in the summer after claiming the club has a lack of ambition on Tuesday.

After those comments, strongly denied by club bosses, Pochettino decided to leave out the African from his squad for the match.

Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia, Raul Baena, Juan Forlin, David Garcia and Jesus Datolo all miss out through injury.

Espanyol have missed out on a place in Europe and essentially have nothing but pride to play for.

"Espanyol aren't playing for anything, but they are at home and will want to finish the season well - it will be a difficult match," Sevilla striker Alejandro Alfaro said.

Sevilla are fifth with just Saturday's game left and are guaranteed a Europa League place, but the Andalusians must win to ensure direct passage to the continental competition.

Frederic Kanoute could miss the trip to Barcelona after his father passed away this week, but Federico Fazio is in line to return from injury.