The LXVI Carranza Trophy was presented on Thursday at Cádiz City Hall, where representatives of the two teams and other attendees were hosted by mayor José María González. Held in the main chamber, this year’s launch event was combined with the traditional pre-Trophy reception for the participating clubs at the seat of the local government.
González began by underlining: “This is surely the most unusual presentation ceremony we've had - one in which we've had to roll two events into one and have been limited to such a small number of attendees.” He added: “It’ll be a Carranza Trophy with a difference because there won’t be fans in the stands, but it’s an event that remains full of life and is an attractive prospect. I welcome everyone and wish to express my gratitude for your presence here.”
The ceremony was led by José Grima, Cádiz CF’s director of communications, who was on hand to guide those in attendance through the different moments on the programme.
Firstly, the official Carranza Trophy poster was unveiled. Designed by Antonio Caro, who is part of the Cádiz CF marketing department and is programme director of the club’s foundation, the Fundación CFF, the poster’s design combines the sea off the Cádiz coast with an image of the ship the Juan Sebastián Elcano.
The honour of presenting the LXVI edition of the Carranza Trophy fell to Liam Robinson, son of the legendary former footballer and Cádiz CF board member Michael Robinson, who passed away recently.
He began by saying: “It fills me with pride to be here today, because I feel we’ve been very short on good news. This presentation is essential not only for the club, but for everyone.”
Remembering the words of journalist Alfredo Relaño, who has said “whoever hates Cádiz CF hates humanity”, Liam noted that despite Michael’s origins abroad, the fact is that “my father found his place here”. He went on: “I’m the son of a person who was 'someone', and I’m going to share some of my memories of him and his love story with Cádiz CF.”
“One of the things I most liked about my father was that he did not insist on being right, but he did insist on doing the right thing,” he said, adding: “He was a shy man who avoided being the centre of attention, but always was. I experienced that here: the first time I came to Cádiz I was eight years old, and being on the end of so much affection intimidated me. I couldn’t understand why there had been so many hugs and when we returned to Madrid I asked my father: who are you?”
Meanwhile, Liam recalled the “unforgettable” experience of his father dressing up as Balthazar, one of the Three Wise Men, during Cádiz’s Epiphany celebrations. “It was a night where we could all enjoy ourselves as a family - we didn’t have many as memorable as that one,” he explained.
He also revealed: “My father wasn’t a man to boast, and we found out that he had become a Cádiz CF board member through the press. He told me: ’Being involved with this club is something really special. You’ll come to understand that.’” Michael “always thought and talked about Cádiz”, Liam added.
This has been a special year for the clubs Michael loved, he also pointed out: “Liverpool have won the Premier League and Cádiz CF have been promoted to Primera División.”
Liam continued by saying that, for his father, it was a particularly emotional moment when “in 2018 he was named an adopted son of Cádiz. He was really moved by that and, when he called me to tell me, he said it was because he felt like he belonged here.”
“I want to thank you for adopting a foreigner and making him feel like a part of this city and this club through all the affection you showed him. You should be in no doubt that he’ll be in the stands with his legendary banner reading ‘árbitro guapetón’ (‘you’re handsome, ref’). Now I understand what being a Cádiz fan is all about and thanks to you all, he’ll never walk alone,” he said as he concluded an emotional speech.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo, who spoke at the event via video link, said the Spanish capital club were “delighted to be playing in the prestigious Carranza Trophy”. He continued: “We’ll be really happy to be there and say hello to everyone in what is a special year for Cádiz CF, having done so magnificently to win promotion to the top flight.”
José Mata Morales, the head of the Fundación CFF and vice-president of Cádiz CF, said: “This is a very special year because we’re holding the 66th Carranza Trophy. It’s a strange year, but the Trophy has overcome what no-one else has overcome: events, festivals, the pre-Lent carnival and the Holy Week celebrations have all been called off, but the Carranza Trophy will be going ahead once more.” He added: “Given its prestige, it’s only fitting - but the most important thing will be missing: our fans.”
Mata Morales also thanked Liam for “your words, which left us all with goosebumps. You come across so naturally and have shown yourself to be a wonderful representative of Michael Robinson, our adopted son.” In addition, he welcomed Atlético Madrid and thanked the club for the effort they have made to be part of the Carranza Trophy, before also expressing his gratitude to Cádiz City Hall for its continuing commitment to the event.
Finally, he offered words of praise for the president of Cádiz CF, Manuel Vizcaíno, “who in a difficult situation has organised a Carranza Trophy that will only serve to strengthen our brand. It could so easily have not happened, but at Cádiz CF we - and particularly our president - relish a challenge.”
The mayor closed out the ceremony by saying: “We congratulate Cádiz on holding the Carranza Trophy and we’re grateful to Atlético Madrid for the effort they’ve made to be here. On Tuesday, we’ll enjoy a match that won’t have its usual party atmosphere in the stands and around the stadium - but ensuring the return of the beautiful game was nothing short of a victory, and the same goes for keeping the Carranza Trophy going.” He went on: “We’ve all made a huge effort because when you love something, that effort comes easily and isn’t a sacrifice. We all love football and that’s why we try to take good care of it.”
He concluded: “Cádiz CF, the fans, the city and the province are in Primera División. LaLiga and Spanish football needed us, too.”
