FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.10.2007 14:21

Dueñas: "This tribute fills me with pride"

Jordi Clos

Roberto Dueñas has revealed his excitement at the prospect of the testimonial that he is being given by FC Barcelona on November 4, while Joan Laporta and Jaume Ferrer explained what will happen at the event.

The former Barça star attended the presentation of the homage in the press room at Camp Nou to his time at the club, alongside Laporta and Ferrer. "This tribute fills me with pride because my shirt will be placed alongside such names as Epi, Solozábal and Jiménez," Dueñas explained, as he looked ahead to the even that takes place early next month in the Palau Blaugrana.

Touching moment

The Fuenlabrada-born pivot could not hide his emotions as he stated, in perfect Catalan, what the occasion meant to him. "It is a thrilling thing to happen," he said. "I cannot wait for the day to arrive now as I am sure it will be very emotional. I was not expecting this at all. The Palau is like a second home to me and i was always my dream to see my shirt hanging in there. It is the best thing I could have asked for."

Unanimous decision

President Laporta then announced that the board had decided "unanimously" to withdraw the number 12 shirt in honour of Dueñas. "It is only right to recognise this man who met all the technical and personal conditions to win all that he did. He enjoyed great success with Barça and was a favourite of the supporters and was fully integrated into the club and in Catalaunya. It is an historical moment and it will make everyone proud to see his shirt hanging from the roof in the Palau."

A real party

The head of the basketball section of the club then spoke as he outlined what will happen on November 4. The homage will be paid during the half-time interval of the team's match that night when Dueñas will see his shirt number withdrawn from use, among other things. At the end of the game there will be a celebration where a commemorative plaque will be awarded to him. "It is will be a real party for everyone connected to Barça and for Roberto," Ferrer said.