Madrid Quartet Inducted Into Veterans Association

Four of Real Madrid’s most senior Spanish members and captains Raúl, Guti, Casillas and Salgado were yesterday inducted into the club’s Veterans Association.

The four team captains were yesterday given their Veterans Association Cards during an official presentation by Real Madrid Honorary President, Alfredo di Stéfano.

The association is an equivalent to a Hall of Fame but more importantly, the main role is to bind the club and the players together for life even after their playing days. It is also a way to help bridge the gap between the veterans and young players, as well as the new arrivals.

Di Stéfano, who is also Association’s president, were joined by Santamaría, Amancio, Zoco, Pachín and Pérez Payá to hand the cards to the captains, before di Stéfano proclaimed: “Us giving you this card is another step in the support you’ve always given the Association."

“Wearing this shirt was and will always be a privilege for any football player,” Don Alfredo beamed, before highlighting last Sunday’s gallant comeback win against Valencia in the Supercopa as the essence of the club.

Raúl then responded with a speech of his own: “It’s an honour for us to be part of this Association and to continue to instil the values we’ve learned from you."

“We feel proud of the matches like the one on Sunday because this is the Real Madrid side everyone wants to see. You have us and the entire squad at your disposal for whatever you may need,” he declared to the club’s official website.