Imanol Lopez will play the last game of his career on Monday in Gernika

The great Imanol Lopez will play his last game in Gernika on Monday, 23 years ago he debuted on that same fronton on San Fermín Day and that July 7 began, together with Goiko, the brilliant career of the greatest pelotari of the last two decades.

His ability, strength, and intelligence soon surprised them all, and consequently the Zumaiarra was nicknamed "Marshal . "In hundreds, in thousands, he has been victorious, taking on the responsibilities of the couple.

But if Lopez has been "Marshal" somewhere, he's been to Gernika. The Cathedral is the fronton where the differences are most marked. The sportsman's ability and absence increases the black courts of 57 meters. He won't let them hide. Imanol, like other frontons, has played easily in Gernika.

He retards the ball beautifully, but logically that powerful right hand has had its development, and he 's also been a master of putting the ball right for a long time.

There was a time, around 2010, when Imanol won tournaments almost exclusively, and he won five double caps in a row, with five different strikers.

From the back pictures he commanded and took possession of the court. He has always had a great ease of putting the ball in, and not only that, but he has also had plenty of special ability, technique, location, strength and competitiveness to see the game well .

 Ho add to all this the character and character of the greatest in sport. All these capabilities concentrated around 1 '94 meters and 95 kilos. As unusual as it is unstoppable.

In addition to being a great puntist, the Zumaiarra is a leader and reference for fans and other players. He has taught young pelotaris to compete and play at a high level. Witness this is Barandika herself, who has learned a lot by playing with Lopez. And this past year, Goitia or Urreisti. They are 20 years younger than Imanol.

He's been at the top of the basket for 34 years, and he's been competing for txapelas and titles until the last moment, and dominating the back.

On Monday he puts an end to his professional career in Gernika Cathedral. The match will be broadcast by ETB1 and eitb.eus from 22:20.