José Castro at Pablo Blanco's induction into the Hall of Fame
The Club

JOSÉ CASTRO: 'YOU CAN'T COMPREHEND SEVILLA'S HISTORY WITHOUT PABLO, BECAUSE HE IS OUR CLUB BADGE'

22/11/2018
Sevilla FC's president gave a moving speech, to eulogise Pablo Blanco, not only as a footballer but also as a model professional behind the scenes and most of all as a person.

José Castro was given the task of closing the ceremony for Pablo Blanco's induction into the club's Hall of Fame. In his speech, the club's chief gave a sincere tribute to Blanco as a player, a member of the technical staff and as a person: 'Today is a special day for Sevillistas, because we are inducting a new member into the club's Hall of Fame, the highest honour that a former player of our club can receive. Today we pay tribute to our history once again and recognise the importance of one of our past heroes. Although this hero is very special because he continues to be important as ever, 34 years after he hung up his boots. That boy, a Sevillista through and through, could have hardly imagined that he was going to write history full of successes that still knows no end to this day.

In October 1968, he joined the youth ranks of Sevilla and half a century later he is the saint and symbol of Sevillismo. Today, Pablo, your club is here to honour your footballing journey, your thirteen years defending our shirt, the only one that you ever put on. A one-club man, from start to finish. We're here with you, Pablo, is the same as saying, we're here with you, Sevilla. Because Pablo Blanco is Sevilla FC. Pablo Blanco was the player with the most appearances in our history for over 30 years. His 415 matches have only been surpassed by Jesús Navas, that little boy that he recruited himself as the master of our academy.

'We´re here with you, Pablo, is the same as saying we're here with you, Sevilla'

Because Pablo, as well as being a legendary player, you managed our youth ranks with undoubted skill, a nurturing ground for international stars and world champions. To speak about Pablo Blanco is to speak of courage and bravery. Pablo Blanco is the representation of our official anthem. Pablo Blanco is the never surrender attitude of our anthem by Arrebato. Pablo is also that boy who became a man under the orders of Merkel and who lead the team during the difficult times in the Second Division. Pablo Blanco saw his teammate Pedro Berruezo pass away in Pasarón and contributed together with Eloy Matute and many others to have Pedro's image immortalised in Gol Sur of the Sánchez-Pizjuán. Pablo Blanco also inherited the captaincy of the club at the age of 26 from Enrique Lora. From one member of the Hall of Fame to another.

 

 

Pablo Blanco was the perfect captain of other greats like Biri, Scotta, Bertoni, Pintinho, Juan Carlos Álvarez and Paco Buyo. The leader of a team that Sevillistas of my generation remember very fondly. Many of us still wonder to this day how this great team, which very nearly reached the final of the cup many times, was never able to taste silverware. Football is like that. Pablo Blanco was also a goalscorer, the perfect footballer for derby games, the man who will be there when needed... Because Pablo Blanco has always been there for the club, so much so that he became part of the coaching team while he was still playing for the first team. Can you comprehend the history of Sevilla FC without Pablo Blanco? Hardly, because Pablo Blanco is our club badge.

'Pablo Blanco was also a goalscorer, the perfect footballer for derby games and a man who was always there for the club'

Many people have told me that Pablo should have been given this recognition much earlier. But I'm going to tell you the truth. This induction into the Hall of Fame had to be done in the season in which he reaches exactly five decades at our club. He wanted it that way and his Sevilla couldn't do it any other way. Pablo, you were an exemplary footballer, a legendary player. And today Sevilla recognise all your dedication, sacrifice and pride in defending our colours, your colours. Today your club places your where you belong, next to the greats. With Juan Arza, José María Busto, Marcelo Campanal, Achucarro, Valero, Gallego, Lora, Sanjosé, Álvarez and Montero. I know you're not one for these grandiloquent ceremonies, but your big day had to arrive. And here you have it Pablo.'

Many congratulations and above all many thanks. Thanks in capitals, thank you LEGEND.

Viva Sevilla!!!