Alfredo Di Stéfano, who died on July 7, 2014, received a beautiful tribute on May 9, 2006. The club placed in the center of the field of the stadium that bears his name all the trophies won in his stage as a Real Madrid player (5 European Cups, 8 Leagues, a Generalissimo Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups and 2 Latin Cups). In front of that collection of conquests a large poster that said “Thank you, Alfredo”.
His entrance to the field, supported by his inseparable oak cane, was very emotional. The President of Honor of the club saw how the great facility of the sports city of Valdebebas began to bear his name. A year later the sculptor Pedro Montes made him a 400-kilo bronze statue located next to the entrance to the enclosure.
But the most emotional part of that Madrid magic evening was put by Zidane and The Blonde Arrow. The two embraced when they crossed paths, given that the Marseillaise was preparing to play his last minutes with the white shirt, which he honored from 2001 to 2006 (227 games, 49 goals and 68 assists). Di Stéfano, in his speech to the fans, had no problem showing his disappointment at the decision made by Zizou, who at only 33 years old resigned his last year of contract and advanced his retirement from football (it would be final two months later playing the World Cup final against Italy). Di Stéfano said: “In the name of football I want to say that a player like Zidane should not have retired.” Di Stéfano left football at the age of 39 …
The Arrow I leave another genius in his speech: “I appreciate this installation in life because in this country the tributes are usually made when you have crossed the line …”. Genius and figure.