CASTRO ON FRANCISCO: "TODAY SEVILLA FC GIVES YOU THE RECOGNITION FOR THE CHARM OF YOUR FOOTBALL"

President José Castro was responsible for bringing the award ceremony of the XIII Hall of Fame to Francisco López Alfaro to an end. The Sevilla FC president, who was thankful for being able to celebrate such an event after the devastation of the pandemic, in his speech, as seen below, he didn't only praise the former midfield figure from Osuna, but also remembered José Antonio Reyes, on the third year anniversary of his death:

"Today marks a moment in which we should have enjoyed a while ago. The induction of Francisco López Alfaro into the Hall of Fame is one of the many things that the pandemic took away from us, but it took more than a pandemic, much more, to stop this day from happening sooner or later. Everything eventually works out, Fran. However, before anything else, allow me to pay tribute to another great player that without doubt was destined for the Hall of Fame. José Antonio Reyes left us three years ago today and in this exact same place thousands of Sevilla fans bidded their final farewell to him...the feelings are still raw, we still miss him and we will continue to love him until the end of time. I am not going to ask for a minute of silence, because, knowing Reyes as we did and the happiness he radiated, I am convinced that he would much rather prefer a heartfelt applause. 

But let's get back to Francisco... We are all here to delve into one of the most iconic footballers that has put the Sevilla FC shirt on. More than thirty years after his exit, the essence and high quality of his football continues to permeate the collective imagination of the Sevilla fans. How many times have we heard those words...that boy is the next Francisco! Because Francisco left his mark. No just this, Francisco broke the mould and showed the Sevilla faithful a whole different type of centre midfielder that they had never witnessed before. And who knows if we will see it again... today we are all here paying tribute to Francisco López Alfaro...all amazed by his creative football...his football, more like fiction than reality, but very real, deliciously real... so artistic, so elegant, so complicated, but at the same time so simple...

"More than thirty years after his exit, the essence and high quality of his football continues to permeate the collective imagination of the Sevilla fans"

Francisco had the ability to make the impossible seem easy. Because Francisco was and is one of those chosen few brimming with talent. Talent written in capital letters. When he had the ball positioned to his right hand side, anything could happen... and that feeling means much more for various generations of Sevilla fans frustrated by results of a team that didn't end up showering itself in glory. Francisco was a symbol of pride for our fans in the eighties, no only for what he did at our club, but the important role he had with the national team at Euro '84 and the 1986 World Cup. 

We have listened to many things about Francisco today... his career is one that is dreamed of by every player in the academy. His chance in the first team came so quick...  From being watched in Alicante with Sevilla Atlético to wearing the starting shirt at La Romareda... on that topic, we should focus on the figure of Manolo Cardo, an essential coach in our history, who from the very first day wanted to bring the best out of Francisco. And Francisco did not fail him. That, more than a courageous decision, was an example of confidence in the sublime quality of a player who during that decade made us feel different for having the good fortune to have him. Our ever reliable legend didn't make a mistake. 302 games many epic moments in the space of nine seasons our former number six gave us some magical moments and some unforgettable afternoons. Francisco left as a captain and with his head held high, always putting his teammates' interests before his own. 

"302 games, many epic moments in the space of nine seasons our former number six gave us some magical moments and some unforgettable afternoons" 

Quality on the pitch, yes, and of course off the pitch. Human quality, as important or even more important than footballing quality. And us, as Sevillistas, had to watch him in another shirt, which he also honoured with his talent for seven seasons. Perhaps seeing him play for another team, considering him an opponent, made us understand and value even more what a huge player he was during those very short nine seasons, however nine years that were enough for him to convert himself into a true legend. 

Fran, today you are getting signed up for the Sevilla FC legends. Today Sevilla FC gives you the recognition for the charm of your football. We continue and will continue captivated by his spellbinding football. Fran, you're a legend. Congratulations to you and to your family. Well done!