Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has hit back at claims his club ‘stole’ the identity and make-up of Athletic Bilbao when they were formed in 1903.
The Basque club’s chief executive Javier Aldazabal accused Atletico of 'appropriating' their brand at the club’s recent AGM, claims that Cerezo brushed off and insisted were an insult to his club’s proud history.
"We haven't usurped, nor taken anything," Cerezo told Onda Cero radio show in response to the claims. http://www.football-espana.net/61501/atleti-stole-athletics-identity
"Nor have we done anything to repent about. We are very proud of our club and we've got nothing to hide.
"I don't think that should be any reason for controversy or argument. On our pitch we sing Atleti, not Athletic. Those magnificent Basque students came here, it evolved and there's been 113 years of history. I don't want that to be tainted."
Los Rojiblancos were founded by three Basque students five years after their favourite side – Athletic Club Bilbao, came into existence.
Atletico’s own club record state their first kit was blue and white before making ‘an executive decision’ in January 1911 to play in red and white, leading to their nickname of Los Colchoneros (mattress makers).
