Avelino Chaves, architect of the best Real Zaragoza squads, dies

Avelino Chaves, who was first a player and later the constructor and architect of several of the best squads in the history of the Real Zaragoza, has passed away this Sunday.

Chaves (Verín, January 26, 1931) came to the Aragonese team as a center forward in the 1952-53 season, coming from Granada and was fundamental in the promotion of the Real Zaragoza to First division in the 1955-56 campaign, achieved in the stadium of Mendizorroza, in Vitoria (June 29, 1956).

A serious knee injury forced him to leave football two years later, although he settled in the Aragonese capital and his link to the Zaragoza entity began in his offices, performing what is currently known as technical secretary.

From his agenda and his contacts, mainly in South American football, the team of Los Zaraguayos' with Arrua, Tell you, Soto, ‘Chub' White, Ocampos, Sheepdog that next to Violet, Flat, Garcia Castany, Manolo Gonzalez
or José Luis Rico, they formed a team remembered for their excellence in the game in the 70s.

Later, and among many other achievements, he joined the team that from the hand of Victor Fernandez ended up conquering the Recopa of Europe on May 10, 1995 with the historic goal of Nayim.

He Real Zaragoza has conveyed his condolences and deep regret for the passing of Avelino Chaves, whom he qualifies as a “fundamental figure” in the history of the Zaragoza entity, both as a footballer and in his work in the Technical Secretariat of the Blanquillo team.

The different social networks have also been filled with samples of condolence for the death of the Galician of whom they have remembered both his good work and his bonhomie.

Saturnino Arrúa, one of the players who signed Chaves, has paid tribute to what he considers “a father.” “There are no words to describe how sorry I am for your loss, a father to me, you have always been there for me throughout my career, my sincere condolences to the Family, I will always remember you dear friend, thank you so much” , has written on his social networks.