99 years since Venancio was born

On 22 April 1921, 99 years ago, Venancio Pérez García was born. It was precisely on the same day, but in 1945, that the legendary Lion played against Atlético Aviación his second match at San Mamés. Venancio had made his debut with Athletic a few days before against Real Oviedo (on 8 April 1945) at La Catedral. His first goal in his stadium came shortly afterwards, when he opened the scoring against Granada CF, in a match where Athletic came out winners with a 4-1 victory.

Venancio shooting at goal during a Liga match played at San Mamés, Athletic 0 – Atlético Aviación 1.

Venancio began playing in SD Erandio Club, but he joined Athletic Club soon afterwards, where he became part of our second legendary forward line together with Iriondo, Zarra, Panizo and Gainza. He was sent on loan to Barakaldo for two seasons and, at the end of the 1948-49 campaign, he wore the red-and-white shirt again.

Athletic’s front line, Iriondo, Venancio, Zarra, Panizo and Gainza, during a Liga fixture played at San Mamés, Athletic 5 – Atlético de Madrid 0.

Venancio made his last appearance as a red-and-white player against Atlético de Madrid in the 1954-55 season, 19th matchweek, where he scored the host’s only goal, managing to equalize the game. The following season was his last as a footballer and he played it wearing Barakaldo CF’s colours.

Venancio’s first goal with Athletic Club. Fixture held at San Mamés against Granada CF

Venancio completed 10 seasons in Athletic, getting to play 208 matches and scoring 91 goals. He died on 28 November 1994 at the age of 73.

Photos: AC Museoa