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Ben Barek, the number 6 is now eternal at La Rosaleda

The Malaguista Family has paid tribute to Abdullah Ben Barek in his home, La Rosaleda stadium, whose door 6 will forever bear the name of the Blue and Whites’ legend.

At 18:00 today, in front of a large public audience and guests in the lower ‘Tribuna’ area, an institutional event got underway with Basti (MCF Foundation) as the master of ceremonies. Elías Bendodo, president of the Diputación Provincial; José Luis Ruiz Espejo, government delegate of the Junta de Andalucía; and Mayor, Francisco de la Torre dedicated emotional words to Ben Barek. His grandson José Manuel also spoke about his grandfather, affirming he’s “a number one”.

A very emotional and grateful Abdullah also thanked the special presence of Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdelkrim Benatiq, as well as former North African international player, Nourredine Naybet, one of the best players in the history of Moroccan football. Vice president, Nasser Al Thani and the CEO of The Academy, Hamyan Al Thani, together with family and inseparable advisers, Antonio Benítez and Francisco Martín Aguilar, accompanied ‘Benba’ on the unveiling of the plaque bearing his image at the stadium’s door 6.

The tribute then moved on to the pitch at La Rosaleda, where the ‘Tribuna’ stands were occupied by all the entity’s youth teams as well as the Málaga CF first team, along with employees from different departments of the Club. At the venue, adorned with Ben Barek’s slogan, ‘If you’re fine, I’m fine’, an emotional Abdullah received a warm welcome on the pitch by the boys and girls.

An emotional video by MCFTV was shown on the screens at La Rosaleda, in which numerous personalities, amongst them Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani, dedicated some wonderful words to Ben Barek. In the centre of the Martiricos pitch, along with his daughter Miriam, Abdullah received the golden shield of Málaga CF, and a beautiful miniature model of the stadium.

Finally, in the VIP area of La Rosaleda, the epilogue of the event took place with Abdullah Ben Barek as the undisputed protagonist, in front of colleagues, friends, members of the Club, representatives from other clubs in which he played, media and various personalities linked to Málaga football. “It’s very difficult to put into words. I’ve tried to hold back tears so I could say something. An unforgettable day, very emotional”, he affirmed to the Club media.

You deserve it all Ben Barek!