Carmelo Navarro, better known in his day as ‘the Beckenbauer of the Bay,’ sat down with Cádiz CF’s official media team in the VIP box of the Estadio Ramón Carranza to reflect on his own football career ahead of the Betis-Cádiz game on Wednesday.
The new Carranza stadium
I have some unforgettable memories. The old stadium had its own feel, and the scoreboard was a sacred symbol of that place. We had a great support. It brings back some wonderful memories seeing the place now, how nice the pitch is. I have really enjoyed it here.
Carmelo’s early days
Like every kid who starts out, the dream is to one day play in the Primera, alongside the best. I was among the footballing elite for many years. I had a great time, enjoyed it immensely and have some lovely memories of my life as a player.
The Betis period
It was a bittersweet experience. It was good when I arrived, but I had two serious injuries and was unable to play for a long time. I still have great memories because it was a top team, a great club, where I linked up with some brilliant professionals and even better people. It is a uniquely special team. There it’s Betis till you die and the rivalry with Sevilla is impressive.
Is the heart divided between Betis and Cádiz?
I’ll be following the game like any other Cádiz fan. I love Betis very much, but for me the scales only tip one way. I am, and will always be, a Cádiz fan because no one has given me what Cádiz has given me. I've tried to give back to Cádiz what Cádiz has given to me.
Meeting with Víctor Espárrago to sign for Cádiz
I was at Recreativo and my father was a close friend of the late Manuel de Irigoyen. We met because I was under pressure with Recre. Víctor told me that if Cádiz remained in the Primera I would join them under him. This is how it was. A new beginning, a return to my roots.
A great dressing room
There are so many amazing people. Understandably, I joined a dressing room that was like family. I knew the coach and the board of directors too. Cádiz was a family. It was going back to my origins. They were Cádiz's best years but I really hope and wish that soon that will just be a note in history and that this Cádiz will be better than the one I was a part of.
Magic González
We didn’t see him as a footballer, but as a person. He was an incredible, excellent man, a friend to his friends, a magnificent teammate. It is not for me to say what he was like off the pitch. He remains a Cádiz icon and he’ll never be forgotten.
Best placed finish for Cádiz
That year we played very well, and the objective when we played in the Primera was to stay up. I think that this year we can achieve an even better finish. I see a solid team. Hopefully we don’t have to suffer much and Cádiz remains in the top flight.
Coming up against the elite
When the Cádiz lads head out onto the pitch they’re seeing the likes of Kroos, Benzema and Messi. History always repeats itself. To play against these stars is an honour and a pleasure, and that is what we take away with us. Nerves that can hold you back at first start to disappear during the game. It’s a pleasure to play with the best in the world.
That time with Maradona
It’s a nice story to look back on, and one that came to mind especially with his recent passing. It is lovely to remember the little chats we had, those that, upon reflection, I had with the best footballer of all time.
The Beckenbauer of the Bay
The name first given to me by Michael Robinson, may he rest in peace, has gone down in the history books. I have the acronym EBDLB [from the Spanish 'El Beckenbauer de la Bahía'] as my email account. I am very grateful to Michael for having nicknamed me, just as Yuyu says that Beckenbauer is the Bavarian Carmelo. It’s good banter to have.
Carmelo and football from back in the day
They said that I looked serious on the pitch, with my moustache and not much hair. That gave the footballing world a sense of gravity that’s not there today. Before then, nobody shaved, whereas these days it’s fashionable to tattoo arms and necks, something not seen before on the field of play.
Do you identify with any current player?
These days I see footballers that are much better than me in all aspects. I’d rather not pick anybody in particular out. All those playing for Cádiz are there because they deserve it, they are Primera players and they are showing it.
On having the most top flight appearances for Cádiz
It has been such a pleasure and I’m so proud to have fought for the Cádiz shirt in Primera stadiums. It's what has meant the most. Being able to give back to Cádiz what the club has given me is the greatest thing.
A message to the team and the fans
I’ve no special message to give. Both the club and the team know that things are being done extremely well and the facts speak for themselves. I really like it when Cervera keeps them on the right track, reminding them of where the focus should be, on the most important thing, and that is staying up. For the fans I say be patient and don’t lose faith in the team. It's just a shame that we can't get into the stadium to support them.
