Fuengirola pays tribute to Juanito on the 30th anniversary of his death

The spirit of Juan Gómez ‘Juanito’ is still more alive than ever. This Saturday marks the 30th anniversary of the unfortunate car accident in which he lost his life when he was returning to Mérida after witnessing a match of the UEFA Cup (current Europa League) between Real Madrid and Torino.

His gigantic and unforgettable figure continues in the memory. His exploits and charisma are passed down from father to son. For all these reasons, Fuengirola, birthplace of the great footballer, has scheduled a series of emotional events with the presence of the main authorities of the city as well as highly prestigious squeegees.

Last Tuesday a mass was celebrated in his memory in the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This Friday there was a floral offering in the San Cayetano Municipal Park. Later this Friday at the Peace Palace preview of the documentary ‘Juanito‘ which was screened at the Malaga Film Festival. With a script by Alejandro Torres from Huelva and directed by Juan Miguel Castillo from Jerez, they bring the figure of this talented player closer to the youngest, with the participation of several former teammates and emblematic players such as Vicente Del Bosque, Emilio Butragueño, Michel and Rafael Gordillo. Participation of Miguel Diosdado and Pedro Romero as well as the journalists Tomás Roncero and Alfredo Relaño.

The documentary collects, through the aforementioned testimonies, moments of Juanito’s life. His difficulties at Atlético de Madridhis explosion at Burgos, his best years with Real Madrid, the team he was made for and various adventures and misadventures where he wasted humanity and character.

your great friends

Presence of many good friends of Juanito. Former players such as goalkeeper Agustín Rodríguez, Ricardo Gallego, Paco Pineda, Boquerón Esteban, Emilio, Poli Rincón, Pepe Salguero and Roberto Lopez Ufarte. Esteban and Juanito promoted with Málaga to Primera in the 1987-88 season with Kubala as coach. “We were a great team” Esteban recalled while Pineda commented. “Every time I talk about Juanito I get emotional.”

The event was organized by the Peña Madridista de Fuengirola with its president, Antonio Carrasco, as undisputed master of ceremonies. The journalist Tomás Guasch, with his usual sense of humor, made an aside with Agustín, Gallego Rincón, Salguero and Esteban. “These today would charge 200 million euros.” Presence of representatives of supporters clubs spread throughout Spain. There were also clubs from the city.

The first words were from the mayor, Ana María Multo. “He is the most universal Fuengiroleño. Every year we strive to remember his figure. Agustín, the player who spent the longest time with him on the white team, remembered. “Juan reached unimaginable heights until he became a myth for all. Juanito is the history of Real Madrid. He did not leave anyone indifferent”. He also recalled that 1980 Real Madrid-Castilla Cup final, the only affiliate to have achieved it to date. “What you have achieved is very great and it is difficult to repeat it,” he told us.

And of course the presence of Roberto, the son of the great playerr who was 14 years old when the accident occurred. She keeps her father’s flame alive through her Twitter account.

I was going for a great coach

Juanito was a different footballer. His character sometimes played tricks on him but his heart did not fit in his chest. Pepe Fouto, president of Mérida, gave him the opportunity to debut as a coach in the Roman team. He won in San Mamés against a Bilbao Athletic where, among others, Javi Gracia and Asier Garitano played. The emeritenses played wonderfully and everything pointed to the fact that the Fuengirol native would train Real Burgos, who had good years in the First Division. But the road stopped him.

an unforgettable figure

In a subsequent round table ex-soccer players and journalists evoked him in an interesting round table. After finishing the emotional documentary, an interesting colloquior. Moderated by Tomás Guasch, Poli Rincón, Pepe Salguero, Tomás Roncero and López Ufarte participated. Rincón dazzled the crowd by remembering that he made his debut with Real Madrid replacing Juanito. He scored two goals. “Juanito told me: boy, show the balls you have”. laughs. Memories, anecdotes, emotion and affection towards the myth in a pleasant and instructive talk. The table was then occupied by Esteban Vigo, Pineda and Agustín who continued with their brilliant evocations.

The commemorations will continue this Saturday. At 9:30 p.m. game of fry between the three local clubs in the Elola sports complex. Following this, a veterans match between the Real Madrid supporters clubs and veterans from the Peña Madridista de Fuengirola. And at 1:00 p.m., a veterans match between Peña Juanito de Fuengirola and Guarromán. A great commemoration for a unique athlete.