Hierro was very emotional on receiving his award, in honour of his extraordinarily successful sporting career, in Spanish, European and world football.  Hierro was awarded his medal from the President of the Provincial Government, Elías Bendodo, following a wonderful speech from Spain’s national team coach, Vicente del Bosque, along with president of the RFEF, Ángel Villar, who was also present.  “This medal makes me so happy.  I’m so proud to be from Vélez-Málaga, and I’ll continue to fly the flag for Málaga in every corner of the world”, confirmed the Blue and Whites manager.

A number of political and institutional representatives were present at the event, including mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre.  Club adviser, Francisco Martín Aguilar also attended the presentation, along with presidential adviser, Jesús Nuño, and Business Development manager, Vicente Casado, to support Fernando Hierro.  Juan Márquez Delgado, the ‘Santa María de Victoria’ Foundation, and María Victoria Villarejo de los Campos (collected by her daughter, María Paz Temboury Villarejo) also received awards.

Following Manuel Molina’s introduction, along with Nerja mayor, José Alberto Armijo, the ‘Medals of the Province 2012’ were awarded.  Following the presentation, president Elías Bendodo made a closing speech, including typical Andalucían and Spanish hymns, in honour of Fernando Hierro, who has given the best of his personal and professional life to a long and brilliant sporting career.