Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has paid tribute to the club’s former goalkeeper Antoni Ramallets, who passed away yesterday.
The 89-year-old was one of the club’s most successful players, winning six League titles and five Copa del Reys for the club, as well as earning 35 caps at international level.
“Today is a very sad day for barcelonismo. The legend Antoni Ramallets has left us, the great keeper of the Barça that won the Five Cups,” commented Rosell.
“He was admired by generations of Cules and he’s always been a leader to our players. People and athletes like Ramallets contributed to making this Club great and they’ve reinforced the Blaugrana feeling.
“A couple of months ago, when the Club and the Barca Players Association paid tribute to [Ramallets], I had the chance to have a long talk with him at his home in Sant Joan de Mediona.
“I told him how he’s recognised by Barca members and fans, that we will be eternally grateful for his contribution to Barca’s greatness.
“In these moments of grief, I want to express my condolences to his family for their loss and send them all of our support.”
Former Barca goalkeeper and current sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta also spoke to reporters in reaction.
“It’s a painful day. Ramallets is a reference point in Barca’s history. The Cat of Maracana was a reference for his era, he caught the imaginatione of many people.
“There is no need to consider if he was the greatest, he was a leader.
“We have worn the No 1 shirt and the Barca shirt and have something in common.
“He was a proud and loving man. He was very endearing and always treated me well.”
