CELEBRATING JOAQUÍN CAPARRÓS AT HIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

Joaquín Caparrós today became the second inductee into our Managerial Hall of Fame. The Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán hosted the ceremony, led by José Antonio Sánchez Araujo, and some of the most esteemed figures in the recent history of the club were in attendance.

An emotional montage was shown that charted Cáparros's journey with the club since his arrival at the start of the century. He then received an award from David Gutiérrez, president of the RFEF Coaches Committee, on behalf of the group. Notable members of the press were also present, including Vicente Jiménez, director of As, and Roberto Gómez, who was representing Marca. Both publications presented the coach with commemorative covers.

The RFEF Coaches Committee and major media outlets presented Caparrós with honours

Messages were then heard from two of the most important players of the Caparrós era, Javi Navarro and Pablo Alfaro, who could not attend having just taken over at Real Murcia, but sent a congratulatory video to his former manager. Athletic Club then paid their own tribute to their ex-coach, firstly with speeches from Iker Muniain and Óscar de Marcosvia, the two players with the most appearances in the club's history who were both handed their debuts by the Sevilla native. The current Athletic Club president, Jon Uriarte, then dedicated a few words to Caparrós, before presenting him with a commemorative club plaque with the following inscription:

"You came to the club and brought back our ability to compete" - Jon Uriarte, President of Athletic Club

"For us, you were more than just a coach. You came to the club when we were in a difficult situation and you helped us to regain our competitively. After a 24-year absence, we finally returned to a Cup final. You taught us not only how to reach finals, but also how to win them. When you arrived, there were people who doubted you. But you were great. Giving opportunities to some academy players, you became one of us and you really fit in with the club and its philosophy," said Uriarte.

Before more emotional speeches, another video was shown which included World Cup winning players, such as Marchena, Capdevila and Llorente, and their coach Vicente del Bosque. And from there, two players from the current squad spoke: Jesús Navas and Sergio Ramos. Both players were given their debuts by Caparrós having come through our academy. The final person to speak about the club legend was our president José Castro, before the man himself gave an emotional speech. The ceremony closed with a slideshow of photos showing the long list of players to play under his leadership.