A loyal man who turned 70 in August surrounded by his six children, 21 grandchildren and great granddaughter. A great family stemming from more than 50 years of marriage to Anita. She is the great woman behind this great man, a perfect tandem with the same passion: Málaga Club de Fútbol. Hand in hand they have shared the 38 years that Paco has been part of Club management.
The Club he has cared for as he would his own family. And, as he himself states in this interview, he does it out of love. Protecting it, committed to it, dedicating time to it, consoling everyone during the bad times and celebrating with them in the good times. And he is, without doubt, the best host.
This is Don Francisco Martín Aguilar, our Paco.
Paco is also a successful businessman, a fan of the bulls, gastronomy and, of course, Semana Santa. A Malagueño of tradition and culture. We talk to him about this Big Week in our city.
Paco, first of all, how are you coping with the lockdown at home? Who are you in confinement with and how do you kill time?
First, I would like to say hello to all the Malaguistas and Malagueños reading this interview. I’m living it in the same way as everyone else. Confined at home, not being able to go out, not even for the essentials as I have family, so I’m spending time with my wife at home and watching the news. Like anyone else in these circumstances.
Speaking of your partner, Anita, you’ve been together for a lifetime, tell us about her, of her importance in your life?
Clearly, if it wasn’t for her this situation would be a lot harder to endure. As we know each other perfectly, we get on really well.
Is it true that Anita is more of a Malaguista than you? She doesn’t go to the Stadium, despite having her place, as she suffers too much?
More Malaguista than me, no, we’re the same. We are both Malaguistas. We hold Málaga in our hearts and have done for many years. But it’s true that she suffers a great deal going to the Stadium as she has a seat in an area where you have to maintain your composure so she can’t show her emotions as much as she’d like. She knows more about football than I do.
Recent years have certainly been difficult as you saw your Club relegated to the Second Division. We still cannot forget the moment on the bus when Quico Catalán consoled you when you collapsed, how did you feel at that time?
It’s like having a family member, a loved one who you know is unwell and enduring that situation without expecting the worst. When that time comes you can’t take it anymore and you fall apart. You have to let off steam, as I did. And there I stayed. I’m grateful to the thousands and thousands of people who encouraged me and kept me going at that time. It was about two different situations; relegation and knowing there are so many Malaguistas who wanted the best and were sympathetic to us all.
In June 2019 we lived one of the best moments with the Malaguista fans. It was in the match against Deportivo and those images travelled the world. Tell me about that welcome, do you remember such a welcome over the years?
I don’t remember a welcome like that, ever. It was the spirit and strength that the fans wanted to instil in the team. We were so excited that that day was going to be the big day. It wasn’t like the promotion the day of Tarrasa in the playoffs, which was fantastic, and the fans went wild and invaded the pitch. It was similar though. The welcome was spectacular. The Málaga fans never fail.
The match didn’t end the way we wanted it to. Is it true you went down to the dressing room and were one of the people who encouraged the players to go out and apologise to the fans? Munir was distraught…how do you remember it?
Ufff…those moments were unforgettable. Whether I went down to the dressing room or not, the team would have gone out on to the pitch to thank the fans for their support. Not just during that match but the entire season. The team deserved that farewell from the fans in the stands, in the entire stadium, and all the Malaguista fans. They truly deserved it, and for that we must thank the ‘Grada de Animación’. Without it, the matches wouldn’t be the same.
Last year, amid the Club’s economic crisis, you suffered a very tough time, all the Club’s expenses were criticised and salaries analysed with a magnifying glass…during these times you received harsh criticism on social networks, comments regarding your high salary. Is it true you do not receive remuneration?
Yes. To that question I have to respond that it is absolutely true.
Why do you continue to be part of the Club, travelling with the team and dedicating so much time to Málaga CF without needing to?
As I’ve said before, many years ago I began to accompany the team as a fan. It was another time, another story. I accompanied the team and was allowed on the team bus without being a manager. I’ve been retired for years due to certain circumstances and have always remained close to the team. I’ve been the expedition leader on many trips. I’ve done everything I can where possible to resolve any difficult moments whilst travelling. I’m also close to them. Hence the relationships with all the clubs. Being with them at grounds throughout Spain, that’s what I like about the Club.
These are some very difficult days for the brotherhoods. Many try and get through it by watching repeats on television and online. You too?
We’re following the re-broadcasts from past processions. Speaking to friends from these brotherhoods, asking one another questions about where we were at that time. And yes, I follow them from home, watching the repeats on local television and listening to radio programmes.
So many years with the same routines during this week. What does it feel like to experience such a different Semana Santa? What do you miss?
My wife, who is like clockwork, usually has every last detail planned during Semana Santa. We would leave the house at the same time, go to the city centre, park the car and go and find our seat, our place. Experiencing the atmosphere, meeting new people, friends who return to live this week in Málaga. I miss so many things.
In many Malagueña homes a vigil is held on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and meat isn’t eaten on those days. Is it the same in your home? Despite being an unusual year, some things don’t change, right?
Of course, it’s the same in my house. I’m very respectful of our traditions and customs. Particularly in regard to religion.
Are you going to eat ‘Torrijas’ at home? Any other typical dishes? Does Anita make them?
When it comes to ‘Torrijas’ during Semana Santa, I only have one, otherwise they’re just too much. I always enjoy the typical stew with cod eaten during Semana Santa.
We talked about Anita, your wife, before. You have six children with her and 21 grandchildren. Do you have 21 seats for Semana Santa? Are they all fans of Semana Santa in Málaga? Do you enjoy this special time together?
Well, the 21 chairs situation is impossible. However, the group of brotherhoods and our friend Pablo Atencia know this well as we’d need a sector for the entire family. However, depending on the work commitments of some of my children, yes we do enjoy it together. We gather around the processions and meet in the city centre.
Are you a brother of some or all of the brotherhoods? There is always one that stands out more. What’s yours?
I primarily belong to El Cautivo, then Nuestro Padre Jesús el Rico, de la Virgen del Carmen de Pedregalejo, Hermano de la Virgen del Carmen del Palo, de Nuestra Señora del Rocío de La Caleta Hermandad Rociera. I belong to several and try to contribute to them all as much as I can and experience it with them, before, during and after Semana Santa. In addition, my grandchildren have joined, I have six or eight grandchildren who belong to different brotherhoods.
Where do you like to celebrate Semana Santa?
I live Semana Santa in Málaga like all the brothers. I’ve never travelled abroad, except if there was a match on Palm Sunday, or others on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday where I’ve had to be absent, I always spend Semana Santa in Málaga.
The world of football is very passionate. Many players and coaches have fallen in love with Semana Santa at your side. Who has surprised you the most?
Every year many players have passed through here, devoted to one or another brotherhood. One I recall is Movilla who always carried an image of El Cautivo. Even the equipment managers had to carry El Cautivo in their suitcase during Movilla’s time. I received so many requests this year that I looked for a special place. Watching from the seats is very difficult. Thanks to the group of brotherhoods, they always help us to ensure a player can enjoy the experience. There have been many.
Lastly, what message would you give to Malagueños who aren’t able to enjoy the processions this year? Do you have a message of encouragement in the face of the confinement and the health crisis? Will we be back together on the pitch soon?
I send a lot of encouragement to the brothers. I remember times on rainy days when the brotherhoods were unable to go out and it left people in tears. I send them lots of love. I’m sorry they can’t enjoy and experience this Semana Santa, which is our big week in Málaga.
Finally, I send love to all the healthcare workers who are doing so much for everyone. To all the Malaguistas, everyone, we’ll get through this. The message is clear; if we stay at home, we’ll get through this, I’m sure.
