Málaga Club de Fútbol, via the MCF Foundation, wanted to pay a well-deserved tribute this Wednesday, to the former Blue and Whites’ goalkeeper in the 80s, who died after a League match against RC Celta de Vigo.
MCF Academy CEO, Hamyan Al-Thani; sports director, Francesc Arnau; first team coach, Míchel; Málaga CF Femenino coach, Antonio Contreras; Club advisers, Antonio Benítez, Ben Barek and Francisco Martín Aguilar; spokesman for the Foundation’s Social Department, Sebastián Fernández Reyes ‘Basti’, together with family, friends and former teammates of Gallardo, all attended the event held at door number 13 of La Rosaleda.
‘Basti’ was master of ceremonies and in charge of giving an emotional speech in remembrance of Gallardo: “His name will be remembered forever. Today Gallardo is eternal. Our guardian of Martiricos”. José Gallardo, the father of the former Blue and Whites’ goalkeeper, was very proud of this deserved recognition: “He gave everything for Málaga. Thank you to the fans who made this homage a reality. I thank you from my soul”.
The act continued with the unveiling of the new name of door number 13 at La Rosaleda Stadium, now called José Antonio Gallardo. A panel was then uncovered, reviewing his career with the Málaga team. Members of the Club and family members of the goalkeeper then posed for a photo.
The event concluded with an emotional video projected in the ‘Juan Cortés’ press room at La Rosaleda Stadium. The Club presented the family with a jersey bearing the number 13 and the Gallardo name, as well as a commemorative plaque.
Gallardo, who played with CD Antequerano in the 1983/84 season, was also recognised by Antequera CF with a plaque in his memory.
