MADRID, 19 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Pérez, highlighted this Monday that the Copa del Rey basketball title won by the Madridistas in Malaga this Sunday, the twenty-ninth in their history, is “a new test of the strength” of a “special, unique” team. and with competitive genetics.
“Real Madrid is universal, it belongs to the hearts of millions of people around the world, but we know very well that Madrid is our land of origin and our home. Everything began here, and this was our starting point for a fabulous story that has developed Real Madrid for 122 years. It is a pride to be ambassadors of our community,” said Pérez from the headquarters of the Community of Madrid.
The president of the region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, received this Monday at the Real Casa de Correos the brand new champions of the Copa del Rey, the 29th in the history of Real Madrid basketball and the 26th title in the last 14 seasons. “It is new proof of the strength of our basketball section that, year after year, makes the legend of Real Madrid grow,” the Madrid leader highlighted in his speech.
“And the first thing I want to do is thank this team, the players, coach Chus Mateo, his coaching staff and everyone who makes up a special, unique basketball team with competitive genetics. You have done it again history with this shield and with this shirt, and you once again show that you are legendary players and with the values of Real Madrid always present,” he praised.
Pérez recalled the “grand final” against Barça, with a 96-85 victory to regain the throne of the Copa del Rey in the final of Málaga 2024, four years after winning it for the last time, in an “unforgettable” match and ” epic”. “From here I also want to send my congratulations to Barcelona, because they were a magnificent opponent, which gives even more value to this extraordinary victory for our team,” he stated.
“Congratulations also to all the teams that have participated in this edition of the Copa del Rey, to the organization and to the city of Malaga, which has welcomed us as always with great affection and great hospitality,” added Pérez, who also put highlighting the “great family” that is the Madrid locker room, in addition to its “generosity and wonderful dedication.” “The players, although they have won a lot, still have the same hunger for triumphs and titles,” he praised.
The president of Real Madrid reiterated that the team's successes “are the fruit of work, permanent improvement, sacrifice, respect and also humility.” “I thank you for your ambition in search of victory, for your Real Madrid fandom, for giving yourself until the last moment and for being great references of what it means to be a Madrid player,” he praised.
“There have been many years showing that this team never gives up and gives everything until the end. That is the path to history and legend, and Real Madrid fans thank you for it. Congratulations to each of you and congratulations too to our coach Chus Mateo and his assistants for a spectacular job that has already given us four titles in a season and a half,” he addressed the coach.
Furthermore, the club leader put the next objectives for the season on the horizon, despite being “very proud and satisfied” with the second title of the season. “From today we already have the challenge of returning to this house soon to repeat this moment. Our team and our coach are going to give everything to win the League and the European Cup,” he assured.
At the reception at Madrid City Hall, to offer the trophy to the city's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the president of Real Madrid insisted on the “immense” capacities of “delivery and sacrifice” of an “exceptional group of people.” “, “example of behavior and attitude.”
“You are already an unforgettable team, you have won everything and yet, incomprehensibly, you want to continue winning more. The strength of this team is unity, work, sacrifice, team spirit, respect and humility. I am very proud of all of you and our fans know very well the place you already occupy in history,” he concluded from the council.
In both events, captain Sergio Llull also spoke, holder of 26 titles with Real Madrid and who recognized that “it is an honor and a pride” to offer the Cup to the different Madrid authorities and the fans. “I congratulate my teammates, the coaching staff and also all those people who work in the shadows, but who are very important to continue reaping all these successes. The season is very long, this continues and we hope to return soon,” he said .