Rafael Márquez speaks before his last game at the 'Jalisco' | OneFootball

A Mexican legend is about to say goodbye Friday night.

Rafa Marquez will take the field at the Estadio Jalisco for the final time, over two decades since he made his Atlas debut as a 17-year-old in 1996.

“It’s my last match at the Jalisco,” Marquez said before Friday’s Clasico Tapatio, “We still have one more game in Pachuca. Maybe this will be the farewell from my fans and my home, but I’m still committed to ending the tournament in Pachuca.”

After starting his professional career with Atlas, coming up through their youth system, Marquez stuffed his trophy cabinet. During his time with Monaco, Barcelona, and Leon, Marquez collected seven domestic titles, two Champions League titles, and won multiple domestic cups.

However, Marquez wishes to end his career in style by traveling to Russia with the Mexican National Team and believes these final two matches with Atlas could be vital to his selection hopes.

“A victory against a big rival would be a great result and a great farewell. I’d like to finish things the best way possible, and obviously, I have the dream of being able to go to a fifth World Cup. It’s right around the corner, and playing in these two final games would help me get better physically. I’ve been feeling really good in these last few matches and am hoping this can happen as well.

“It would be the cherry on the cake, a World Cup. But even if I don’t get selected, I’m very proud and satisfied with the career that I’ve had.”