Heartfelt tribute to Caparrós in Seville
Heartfelt tribute to Caparrós in Seville
The Seville club presented their former coach with the 'Banquillo de Oro' award on Tuesday morning in an emotional ceremony in which Caparrós also received gifts from Jose Angel Iribar and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte.
Athletic Club was present for Sevilla FC's heartfelt and moving tribute to former head coach Joaquín Caparrós, a legend at the Andalusian club and a figure who led Los Leones in 187 matches. Caparrós recieved Sevilla's 'Banquillo de Oro' award, becoming just the second person do so in their history after Manolo Cardo.
Sevilla were represented by their current president, Pepe Castro, and iconic players Jesús Navas and Sergio Ramos, while Athletic president Jon Uriarte and former president Fernando García Macua, who worked with Caparrós during his four years at the club, were there on behalf of Los Rojiblancos.
Jose Angel Iribar and Jon Uriarte presented Joaquín with a commemorative 125th anniversary badge, a distinction thus far only received by our anniversary ambassadors. The accolade was given to Capparós in recognition of his successful spell in Bilbao and his constant words of affection for our club.
Jon Uriarte spoke of the legacy Joaquín left in Bilbao: "Dear Joaquín, or Jokin, as we affectionately christened you in Bilbao. We will never forget your contribution to Athletic Club, where you were much more than a coach.
"You were a huge boost at a delicate moment. A breath of fresh air, giving us back our competitiveness and above all the desire to win a Copa trophy. After 24 years of waiting, you got us into another final in our favourite competition."
Futhermore, Iker Muniain and Oscar de Marcos, both of who made their senior debuts under Caparrós, sent video messages which were screened during the event.
Uriarte also highlighted Caparrós commitment to Athletic's sporting philosophy: "You tapped into our youth academy to bring up Muniain, you introduced De Marcos.
"Today they are among the five Lions with the most games at the club, a select ranking in which you already know who is number one, El Txopo. Here he is in the front line of the tribute to give you a hug."
They also gave Joaquín a photo which shows our former head coach embracing fans on Bilbao City Hall's balcony during a reception held there after the 2008/09 Copa del Rey final at Mestalla.