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Twelve moments to remember

The withdrawal of Roberto Dueñas’ shirts was a historic moment for FC Barcelona. The tribute to one of the greatest players ever to represent the basketball section filled the Palau and will be remembered forever.

The atmosphere in the Palau; the friend in the VIP Box; the relatives at court side; the human castle raising his shirt; a standing ovation of thousands; the microphone in his hand the focus of all attention; a spotlight from the top of the Palau highlighting his shirt; Barça history made alongside Epi, Solozábal and Jiménez; his grandchildren giving him a gift in front of the packed Palau; a ball signed by the AXA Barça players; a lap of honour around the Palau followed by the FC Barcelona youth players; and a Barça win. Twelve moments that Roberto Dueñas, the Barça ‘giant’ will treasure forever, alongside many more fond memories of his electric career.

Packed VIP box

Roberto Dueñas sat in the seat of honour in the box, next to president, Joan Laporta. The Madrid born player said he was in such good company that he felt quite at home. Directors Jaume Ferrer, Marc Ingla, Clàudia Vives-Fierro and Jacint Borràs; the manager of Barça’s professional sports teams, Francesc Solanellas; the president of the ACB, Eduard Portela, and the Barcelona City Council’s delegate for sports, Pere Alcober, were just a few of the dignitaries sitting in the box at the Palau.

But naturally there were plenty of former hoops stars too, such as Juan Antonio San Epifanio, Andrés Jiménez, Rafael Jofresa, Ferran Martínez, Manel Bosch, Quique Andreu, Nacho Rodríguez and Agustí Cuesta.

Human castle

1 minute and 56 seconds before the conclusion of the second period of the game between AXA Barça and Alta Gestión Fuenlabrada, the two clubs Dueñas has closest to his heart, Bob left the box in the company of Manolo Flores. With a smile on his face, the player thanked his friends and relatives as he made his way to one of the most special moments of his life.

The lights in the Palau were dimmed for half time, and four groups of human towers, or castellers, were formed above the 2.21 metres that Roberto Dueñas measures. Once the castle was formed, a number 12 shirt was produced by each child at the top.

The Palau on its feet

Then came the big moment. Journalist Víctor Lavagnini was master of ceremonies, and when he announced the name of Roberto Dueñas the Palau rose to its feet and applauded and applauded as the player was presented with a bouquet and a ball signed by the AXA Barça and Alta Gestión Fuenlabrada players.

Heart felt words

With the mike in his hand and every eye focused upon him, Dueñas was so moved he could not say much more than thank you. He thanked his coachers, his team mates, his family, and, of course, his fans: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always appreciating me. I don’t think I shall ever be able to give back to what I have received”, said Roberto Dueñas. “Playing at the Palau was the biggest privilege I ever had. Seeing my shirt hung up alongside those of Nacho, Epi and Jiménez is a pride and a joy.” The ceremony ended with him taking a lap of honour of the Palau Blaugrana followed by members of the AXA FC Barcelona youth team.