NJ Sports Talk

During a La Liga game between Sevilla and Getafe on August 25, 2007, a Spanish left back/midfielder collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest.  Three days later, Antonio Puerta passed away at the age of 22.  Puerta played on Sevilla’s youth team from 2002-2004 with fellow Spaniard Sergio Ramos.  Ramos was bought by Real Madrid but he didn’t forget one of his best friends. 

Puerta had 1 cap with Spain back in 2006.  It was widely believed that he might of been starting at left back for “La Furia Roja” during the 2008 European Championship.  After winning their first Euro title in 44 years, the player that had once played alongside Antonio Puerta honored his legacy.  Under the red Espana jersey of Sergio Ramos was a picture of his fallen friend with the saying, “Siempre con Nosotros”, which means ”Always with us”.  This wasn’t the first time Ramos had honored his friend and former teammate.  He had done it after scoring a goal with Real Madrid against Villarreal. 

The gesture epitamizes how close the Spanish team has become.  Critics often cited the fact that the Spanish national team continually came up short, not because of their talent but because they played as individuals.  Not anymore.  “What Ramos did is an act which honours him as a player and as a friend,” Del Nido told Marca.   Del Nido is the president of Puerta’s former squad Sevilla.  It’s never easy to lose a teammate or a friend, but Ramos and the rest of the Spanish squad have made sure that nobody Spanish will forget the former Sevilla talent Antonio Puerta. 

Dan