José Martínez Sánchez, nicknamed Pirri, was one of the honorary guests of Real Madrid’s team that traveled to Glasgow for the Chmapions League opener vs Celtic on Tuesday. Pirri accompanied the team during the Matchday 1, traveling with them, following their training sessions ahead of the encounter and of course being one of their main supporters during the game which saw Real Madrid clinch another victory (the 6th in 6 first games of this new season), starting thus the 2022-23 UCL campaign in the best way. He was interviewed by the Club’s official media prior to the game, expressing his joy as follows.
Celtic were founded 135 years ago and Real Madrid has only encountered the Scottish side once: “Yes, just once. We played them in 1979/80 and I played against Celtic in a tribute match to Alfredo di Stefano, but only once in a competitive game in the European Cup”.
His memories of that two-leg encounter and his absence in the first leg: “I was injured for the game here but I was fit for the second leg. It was on the Dia de San Jose at the Santiago Bernabeu and it was the only game we played at 15:00. It was a very tough game because they were very tricky opponents. That said, we were a strong side at the Bernabeu. We struggled to score the first goal, which I think came in the last minute of the first half. In the second half we managed to turn the tie around and won 3-0”.
One of the first big comebacks was vs Celtic: “Yes… No, there were some before: The was one versu Derby County, another versus UD Las Palmas, and this one: 2-0 down and 3-0 at the Bernabeu. Fortunately for Real Madrid, those comebacks have kept coming. Long it may last!”
His memories of the European Cup in his days having won it once: “We won it in the 1966 season. It really is the ideal competition for Real Madrid. I think we are used to playing in such tournaments. We really enjoy it. Madrid continue to win a lot of European Cups and let’s hope that remains the case”.
There is a current player that many compare with Pirri: Tchouameni. Pirri’s thoughts on him: “I like him, he is a very good player. He’s a young player with a bright future. He’s very good technically, has an eye for goal and is strong in the air. I think he’s a young player capable of achieving big things here at Real Madrid”.
His playing days: “I’ve got very good memories of my playing days. I was a Real Madrid player for 16 years. Madrid has been like a home for me. I was then a doctor, director of football, but my best spell was as a player for 16 years. I had some super teammates and a fantastic president in Mr. Santiago Bernabeu. My coach was Miguel Munoz. Then we had Miljanic and Boskov. I’ve got some fantastic memories. I’m delighted to back here in Glasgow for this game against Celtic. It brings back really good memories.
You’re clearly moved by it all: “Yes, I’m moved because it’d been a long time since I last traveled with the team. I was really excited to be invited to come here for the game. Many thanks!
Pirri’s characteristics as player and his unmatched contribution to Real Madrid
José Martínez Sánchez was well known for his ferocity, leadership skills and versatility. He was a midfielder, defender (sweeper) and also a make-shift forward. He was also a great goalscorer. He netted more than 172 goals during his 16 seasons with Real Madrid. Pirri represented Madrid’s strength and honour. He played the 1971 final of the European Cup Winner’s Cup with his arm in a sling, and the 1975 Copa del Rey final with fever and a broken clavicle. He received the club’s maximum distinction: the Laureate.
He began playing football at Imperio Riffien, from where he went to Sociedad Deportiva Ceuta and Atlético Ceuta. He stood out in each team. At the age of 18 he moved to Granada to continue with his studies. There he formed part of the first team, and during the 1963/64 season was called up to play with Spain's amateur national team. That was his springboard to Real Madrid, signing with the Whites in 1964.
He was part of the famous ‘Yeyé’ team captained by Francisco Gento. In his debut season Pirri won the first of his ten La Liga titles as a Madrid player. In 1966 the team, one of Europe’s youngest, won the European Cup title, beating Partizan Belgrade 2-1 in the final.
He earned 41 caps with the national side, and in 1980 he decided to try his luck on the American continent, signing for Mexico’s Puebla FC. Two years later, and having completed his medical studies, he returned to Spain to join Real Madrid’s medical staff. He would subsequently become part of the club’s coaching staff.
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