In conversation

Emilio Butragueño

The ambassador for the 2010 final shares his memories of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, an iconic arena he has graced as supporter and star

On 12 December 1984 a promising 21-year-old Real Madrid CF striker called Emilio Butragueño, confirmed his status as a legendary madrileño. Trailing RSC Anderlecht 3-0 in the third round of the 1984/85 UEFA Cup

after the first leg, el buitre (the Vulture) scored three and made two in Real’s remarkable 6-1 victory at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.

In 11 years as a player at Real, he was pivotal in consecutive UEFA Cup victories in 1985 and 1986 and six Spanish league titles. As leader of the quinta del buitre (Vulture Squadron) – a group of five players who began in the youth team together and developed into first-team regulars – Butragueño became one of the most feared strikers around. His stellar performances for club and country make him the perfect ambassador for this UEFA Champions League final. Here he reflects on his personal experiences of this stadium, one of the world’s great cathedrals of football, and what it means for the stars who take to this famous pitch on 22 May 2010 to play one of the games of their lives.

Do you remember much of your debut in the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Zaragoza in February 1984?

The first thing I did was look up at the seat where I used to watch from with my father. My mother was sitting there and she never went to football matches so it was very emotional. I was born in Madrid, I had been a fan all my life and now I had moved from watching to being watched. It was a very strange feeling, but very exciting. That day meant so much to me. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Was it more extraordinary because you were a madridista?

I used to collect picture cards of these players, so it wasn’t easy for me to begin with. I just tried to enjoy myself. To be a professional footballer is a real privilege, but to be a professional footballer for Real Madrid, the team I support, is the best thing that could happen to anyone.

What were your best moments in the Santiago Bernabéu?

It would have to be European nights, definitely. We had three magical years when we won two UEFA Cups and made the semi-finals of the European Cup, which were unforgettable for the players and the supporters. I best remember the first of our many comebacks during that time, against Anderlecht in 1984. We lost the first leg 3-0, but at home I scored a hat-trick and set-up Jorge Valdano for his two goals in a 6-1 win. It was the turning point of my career because it cemented my place as a first-team regular.

You were all friends in the quinta del buitre. What was it like playing together?

It was a brilliant time for all of us. We had grown up together and football was just a game for us to enjoy as teenagers. It had never happened before that so many youngsters graduated into the first team as regulars, which was fantastic for madridismo among our supporters.

Can you hear the supporters from the dressing room?

Of course. The moments before you go out onto the pitch are fantastic, but also very tense. I always felt slightly uncomfortable on matchdays because you could always hear the crowd beforehand, especially before big occasions.

Is it a long walk out on to the pitch?

It’s very special when you’re in the tunnel waiting to come on, because you can only see the top two parts of the stadium. As you walk out towards the pitch, more rows slowly appear, which is an incredible sight. But after the game starts, it goes by very quickly because you’re concentrating fully. The most important thing is that you stamp your authority on the game.

The Bernabéu is the perfect setting for the UEFA Champions League final…

The Bernabéu is one of the most spectacular stadiums in the world, and is full of history. Without doubt it’s the best place to stage the Champions League final, because it is home to one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, Real Madrid, and it is one of the

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