The love story between Esther (25) and Alberto (28) started 10 years ago in a neighbourhood of Málaga, Miraflores de los Ángeles. They had to wait until Esther turned 18 to be able to live together. The day she came of age, they moved into their new home. It was tough at first, they had to row against the tide. The wind wasn’t in their favour, the family thought they were too young. Defying the odds, “she studied to become a teacher and developed her career living with me”, says Alberto.
Alberto confessed to being a “Malaguista since I was a boy”, despite his love for Málaga Club de Fútbol not being instilled in him from anyone else. At home, his family support another team, yet against the odds, he fell head over heels for the Blue and Whites. In the 2001/02 season he saw his first Málaga CF match at La Rosaleda. A victory for Málaga against Alavés, even though he was just 10 years old, was one of the best days of his life.
However, the best day of his life came a little over two years ago, when his son Alberto was born. “We were thrilled, we were trying for a baby”. He is the main breadwinner in the family whilst Esther studies, as the teaching exams are being held at the moment. As such, with the arrival of the little one and household expenses increasing, they had to abandon their ‘preferencia’ season tickets. Their finances didn’t stretch to them remaining linked to the Club. “It was a very difficult time, but I promised myself that the day Esther and I got married I would do so wearing the Málaga shirt”.
Alberto tells us about his love story with Esther and Málaga. “When I chose to become a Malaguista, it was for life. The real feeling that comes from being from Málaga cannot be defined. It’s joy and pride when things are going well. It’s a cluster of feelings. The bad times are tough. When I saw Madrid celebrating their title win at Málaga it was hard, but I thought that one day our time would come… I will always support Málaga, it’s for life. Regardless of the division we’re in, it doesn’t matter. Even though you say you won’t match any more matches, the time comes and you’re there. Nervous, because it’s kicking off”.
He experienced the same nerves on his wedding day. Alberto kept his promise, he got married wearing the team shirt. “I married my two loves, even though Esther didn’t want me too. However, Esther knows there are feelings you just can’t fight, when you love someone you support their decisions, even if you don’t share them”. Because against all odds, being supported by Esther with the tide in his favour, Alberto got married in his shirt.
