Real Madrid

The Columbian embassy in Spain and the club Millonarios de Bogotá have paid an emotional tribute to Alfredo Di Stéfano. The honorary President of Real Madrid, who was joined by the ex-Madrid footballers Pachín, Amancio, Santamaría and Pérez-Payá, was awarded the medal for Services to Sport, a replica of the first Santiago Bernabéu Trophy in which Millonarios were involved and a shirt of the Columbian outfit bearing his name. Pedro López Jiménez, third vice-president of the club, Enrique Sánchez, secretary of the Executive Board and the representative Santiago Aguado were also present at the act.

Alfredo Di Stéfano, who plied his trade for Millonarios before signing for Real Madrid, had his photograph taken with members of the current playing squad and spoke about his time at the Columbian club: "It was fantastic, the team was very balanced and very good; we all enjoyed playing in the team and we were all friends". The Columbian ambassador to Spain, Orlando Sardi de Lima, expressed his admiration for the honorary President of Real Madrid: “Alfredo Di Stéfano was an exceptional footballer and made the fans of Millonarios very happy". He also praised the work that the Whites do with the schools of the Foundation: “Real Madrid is spreading a message of peace with their football schools".

Noemí Sanín, president of the Executive Board of Millonarios and ex Columbian ambassador, finally pointed out that the guest of honour “made Millonarios and Real Madrid great". Both teams come head to head this Wednesday for the 34th Santiago Bernabéu trophy.