José Castro in the presentation of the Antonio Puerta Trophy
The Club

CASTRO: 'WE WANT IT TO BE A SPECIAL EVENT IN OUR HOME'

19/03/2019
The president stated that many emotional touches have been prepared for Friday and he revealed that a commemorative scarf will be given out to all those attending the match

José Castro began his speech during the presentation of the Antonio Puerta Trophy with an emotive message: 'It will soon be thirteen years from that goal that, and there's no other way to put it, changed the history of Sevilla FC. That left-footed strike from Antonio Puerta remains in the memory of all Sevillistas. We all wanted Schalke 04 to take part in the Antonio Puerta Trophy: we may have beat them but they became in a sense a club that Sevillistas cared for. With the tenth edition of the Trophy, we have finally managed it and Schalke and their fans will visit us on Friday to remember our beloved Antonio once more.'

This is not any old match: 'It is a special occasion for all Sevillistas who, more than just a friendly, will experience a special ceremony in our home. We have prepared it with care so that it is special. And it will be special for all those fans going to the match, whether they be fans of Sevilla or Schalke, season-ticket holders or not, as they will all receive a commemorative scarf from that game, similar to the exact one that was gifted to all the fans on that Thursday in 2006. The ticket will also pay homage to that match thirteen years ago and we will make sure that all those who wish to be with Antonio, as we always are in the 16th minute of every match, experience an unforgettable moment. As we do not wish for anyone to miss this special event, the match will be shown live on SFC Television like previous editions.'

'We do not wish for anyone to miss this special event and the match will be shown live on SFC Television like previous editions'

'Likewise, we will be launching an online stream through our social media so that the match can be watched throughout the world. I want to thank Jesús Arroyo for his work in getting Schalke to come. He did not stop until he achieved it and he has carefully and thoughtfully prepared this match, taking care of all the details so that it is a success.'

During the media's questions, the president made it clear that their intention was for the trophy to keep increasing in importance: 'The club has spared no expenses and since I came to the presidency I have tried to get the best teams to come and keep the flame of our Antonio Puerta burning. Puerta began the trajectory of this great Sevilla by putting us into our first European final which for everyone is the most important match in our history.'

'The club has spared no expenses to keep our Antonio Puerta's flame burning'

He did not rule out Betis as a future opponent: 'Anything is possible. We work and assess the best options. We want the best teams to come such as Boca, Roma and Schalke.' Asked about his personal experience with Antonio Puerta, he stated 'I had many moments with him - he was a special boy. He was from the academy, he went with me to many fan clubs and he was taken from us far too soon. He would have played for Spain and won many more titles at Sevilla. These are some of the devastating things that happen in football. I was there when Berruezo passed away as well and I pray nothing like that ever happens again.'

In addition, Puerta's family will be present again: 'I have met with his family and I explained them all of the things we have prepared and the care we have put into it so that they are the first to know what will happen. We want only the best to remember our Antonio.'