MADRID, 18 One. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The defender and captain of Real Madrid, Marcelo Vieira, described Paco Gento, who died on Tuesday, as a “legend” and stressed that it was “almost impossible” for someone to equal or exceed the six European Cups and twelve Leagues that the Cantabrian conquered .
“It is a difficult day, for us, for his family, for Real Madrid and for all those who are football lovers, but we also have good memories of the legend that is Don Paco Gento. He knew his history and his entire career at Real Madrid, but also to his family and to him, who was with us whenever he could in Valdebebas or at the Bernabéu”, Marcelo told ‘RM TV’ after attending the funeral chapel for the ex-soccer player at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In addition, the captain of the Madrid team sees “very difficult” for someone to match or improve what the Cantabrian did by winning six European Cups. “What this legend has done is almost impossible for someone to do again. Six European Cups, twelve league titles and 18 seasons at Real Madrid, it’s almost impossible today, but we have his energy and his videos, it’s a honor to be able to work where he has worked,” he said.
“We have spoken with the young people who did not know him as well as we veterans and we have transmitted to them in some way what he has been within Real Madrid and football, and the spectacle he gave in each game”, added the Brazilian, who last Sunday equaled Gento in 23 titles by winning the Spanish Super Cup.
For his part, the Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, believes that “all the fans have very nice memories” of Gento “for what he did on the pitch and how he was off it”. “I knew him little, but he was always a very simple person. He is the only one who has won six European Cups and 12 Leagues, he is a great figure who has shone for many years,” he said.
“Being at the highest level like Gento was for so long means being very professional and having desire and passion for football. It’s something I recently told his wife, who was still very passionate about football,” said the Italian.
A representation of the women’s team also passed through the funeral chapel, with coach Alberto Toril and captain Ivana Andrés, who assured that it was “a very sad day for football, especially for Real Madrid”. “My condolences to his family and friends, we have lost a football legend,” he told ‘RM TV’.
The defense referred to the six European Cups that the Cantabrian won. “It’s something that we all dream of as footballers, a challenge that almost no player will be able to achieve and it’s something to value, not everyone achieves it and it’s very difficult. You always have to look at the best and I think you have to learn a lot from him,” he admitted.