Ismael Díaz headed up the Malaguista squad in the 97/98 campaign, when they achieved promotion from Second B to Second Division. The coach returned to La Rosaleda yesterday to meet his former player, Basti, and spoke to the Club’s media with whom he shared memories of his time with Málaga CF.
Return after 20 years
“Since the promotion, 20 years ago this June, I haven’t been back here. Coming back inside here, where I experienced such intense emotions and such tough and beautiful situations, has been extremely emotional”.
Unforgettable memories
“I’m very excited to know that with this football, Málaga made such a major leap from Second B to Second Division. I’m looking at it as if it were a crystal ball, seeing all the faces of the guys who were with me that day in the dressing room, all the tears, all the effort we made, that was all linked to this ball”.
Fans, the Club’s heritage
“If this Club is great it’s not because it has this possibility, these financial and material possibilities are down to the fact there is a fan base, whether from Málaga or elsewhere, that is without vicissitudes, categories, better lights or more beautiful materials. La Rosaleda is a feeling and Málaga, clearly, gives meaning to that feeling. This is the cathedral of feeling. There are fluctuations, you can go up or down, but what you cannot have is a feeling like the Málaga fans have for their team. It’s the great heritage of this Club”.
Expert in never giving up
“I lived, right here, the experience of being given up for dead ahead of time. I saw this team rise up and resuscitate, and therefore I expect the same of this Málaga. Inside the dressing room never throw in the towel until the last day”.
