AFE pays tribute to Ángel María Villar

MADRID, 30 May. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Association of Spanish Soccer Players (AFE) paid tribute on Monday to Ángel María Villar, former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for his "firm commitment" to the union and "the players", and who was also attended Gianni Infantino, FIFA's top president.

Villar received this tribute from the union in recognition "of his figure as an athlete, also as a defender of the footballers' collective", and for also being "one of the brave players who starred in the first and historic strike in Spanish football in 1979" , as indicated in a statement.

"Ángel was a 'warrior' on the pitch, but even more so outside, fighting for the group of footballers when they had no rights, when they were subjected to the implacable dictatorship of the clubs of that time. Blood, sweat and tears were left on the pitches, but outside he behaved with the same courage, bravery and determination", remarked David Aganzo, president of the AFE.

For the leader, the former president of the RFEF "was one of the main actors in the birth of AFE, fundamental for the match to be played for the benefit of the union" and that he helped "to solve many problems for thousands of modest soccer players." "His commitment to AFE and to footballers was always firm. Both in Spain and from international institutions such as UEFA and FIFA," he added.

"Thanks to you and many colleagues, we were recognized as workers, achieving milestones such as the disappearance of the lien. A sacrifice for the common good of all," said David Aganzo.

For his part, Villar confessed to living the moment "with joy and gratitude." "I thank David Aganzo and his Board of Directors for recognizing the people who founded the association. And I receive it next to mine, people I will always carry in my heart," he said, thanking Infantino's presence, " the highest representation of football worldwide".

The former leader recalled that the union "was just an idea" when they decided to move it forward. "We had many meetings, we traveled a lot, and we received a lot of criticism because they thought it was a rich union, but it was the elite soccer players who took the lead," he stressed, making it clear that "the 1979 strike, in the long run, was positive for the association.

Infantino also participated in this "fantastic and well-deserved tribute dedicated to a great, loyal and honest person", who "must be thanked for everything he did for world football" and from whom they have "learned a lot". "I congratulate AFE for this initiative because soccer belongs to soccer players," he added.

The act was also attended by other personalities such as former coach Vicente del Bosque, who made it clear that Villar has his "affection" and "friendship". "He is a good person and with him, Spanish football grew," he admitted.

"I got to know Ángel more in depth when I assumed the captaincy of the senior team, although I had known the house for a few years before, being in the lower category teams. I only have words of thanks for all those people who were part of the RFEF. The final reward was the victories achieved by the senior national team," said former goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Finally, Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, expressed the "pride" of having been part of the RFEF Board of Directors when it was chaired by Villar, "a magnificent person". "He Not only did he preside over the RFEF, he also assumed important positions in UEFA and FIFA, something that is not within the reach of just anyone," he said.

In addition to the figures mentioned, the president of the COE, Alejandro Blanco, former coaches such as Javier Clemente, Vicente Miera, Javier Lozano, José Venancio López or Ginés Meléndez, former players such as Fernando Hierro, Javier Irureta, Emilio Butragueño, Andoni Goikoetxea, were also present at this tribute. or Diego Tristán, the former president of Real Madrid Ramón Calderón and the maximum president of Getafe Ángel Torres.