Commemorative plaque of the Statue of Puerta in the Sports Village

The Club

ANTONIO PUERTA, ETERNAL SPIRIT OF SEVILLA

28/08/2017

He was taken from us on the 28th of August 2007, three days after the fateful 28th minute of his last game. Ten years later, his permanent influence has ingrained his legacy and assured the prestige of the Trophy which commemorates him

The commemorative plaque which lies at the feet of the statue erected in his honour in April 2010 in the Sports Village of Sevilla FC, reminds us of the importance of his figure to new generations: "His left foot was a gift which changed our lives, one which led us to one of the greatest ages of the club's history. Thank you, Antonio. From all of your supporters".

Antonio Puerta would be 32 today and possibly a World Cup winner, like Jesús Navas, another home-grown star who took on his legendary number '16'. He belongs in the iconic company of Iniesta, Silva or Sevillistas like Ramos and Navas; endlessly talented, Antonio would have added to his five trophies in 15 months, would have seen more international appearances, and all alongside Sevilla FC team-mates in a long decade of success. Nervión was his neighbourhood and Sevilla his team. Sevilla FC was his only dream.

In no more than three years, his legacy was affirmed; his tribute is prevalent and his spirit is as alive as ever as time goes by

He was taken from us in just under three days when in just over three years he had given everything he had. It was a meteoric rise drenched in silverware. In 2004, he debuted under Caparrós, growing his footballing reputation everyday with his comitted and jovial character... 2005, already an U-20 international, and winning gold in the Mediterranean Games... 2006, U-21 international alongside a generation of World Cup winners; eventually a full international under Luis Aragonés and a holder of the key to endless titles... And finally 2007, Sevilla's second UEFA Cup and a memorable Spanish Supercup win.

From his debut in the First Team on the 21st of March 2004 to the 28th of August 2007, 3 years and 5 months of dreams come true.

Sevilla travelled to Athens for a Champions League play off, but the devastating news reached the team in the birthplace of the myths, in yet another symbol of destiny

His passing on the 28th of August will always be remembered - now ten years ago - alongside the ill-fated 28th minute of his last match in Nervión. Events separated by 60 hours of uncertainty. Sevilla FC travelled to Athens to play in a Champions League play off against AEK with the hope Puerta's fate could be avoided, but it was just that fate that was revealed to the team in Athens, as the team prepared for their European fixtures. In those devastating hours, Antonio Puerta, in tragic circumstance, became part of a distinguished group of historic legends, a legend who gave his eternal spirit to Sevilla FC.

After nine tournaments celebrated, Sevilla look to involve Schalke 04 in the Antonio Puerta Trophy

The Antonio Puerta Trophy - to commemorate the club legend - has been held nine times to this day. Since 2008, the event has historically taken place against Andalucían clubs and other national teams though, in recent years, has involved important European and American teams. Of the nine editions, the Trophy has stayed with Sevilla seven times. Wins against Malaga (2-0), Xerez (2-1), Espanyol (5-0), Deportivo (2-0), Almería (1-1 with penalties), Córdoba (2-0) and this year Roma (2-1). In 2010 it went to Granada (1-1 with penalties) and 2016 to Argentina's Boca Junior (3-4).

The important Sevilla fixture is growing in prestige after a decade without the Nervión-born player. Sevilla FC is working to ensure the involvement of Schalke 04 in the competition. It serves as both valuable preparation for the team and to remember that fateful Thursday ten years ago. A decade of happiness and sadness has passed: successes achieved but a Sevilla icon lost. Above all else, he serves as a constant inspiration to Sevilla FC. His soul forever at rest in the club's DNA.