Nota de Prensa
DOM 28.05.2017
Yesterday, Sunday 28 May, the curtain fell on the Vicente Calderon for the last time, with the fabled arena hosting a farewell event befitting of the club's stature. The final action on this hallowed ground saw the hosting of a peace match, dubbed the 'Legendary Finale',which was partially organised by LaLiga and promoted by Pope Francis, to support the educational and social programmes of the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation.
More than 50,000 fans packed the Vicente Calderon for the last match in its illustrious history, in which Atletico Madrid legends from today and yesteryear faced off against a World XI.
Diego Forlan, Milinko Pantic, Donato and Luis Amaranto Perea, to name but a few, were some of the Atleti heroes who pulled on the red-and-white shirt once again, while current players Fernando Torres, Koke, Gabi and Saul Ñiguez turned out as well, keen not to miss out on the special occasion. They were up against a World XI containing such iconic figures as Ronaldinho, Clarence Seedorf, Rene Higuita, Gaizka Mendieta and Marcos Senna, among other stars.
Following a fantastic parade of Los Colchoneros players, Gabi and Ronaldinho, who were captaining the respective sides for this match, planted an olive tree as a symbol of peace, as is customary on these occasions. The fans were treated to a goal fest, plenty of flicks and tricks, and much else to remember from this special day. Like on similar occasions in the past, this exhibition match, featuring players of different religious and cultural backgrounds, once more sent out a message of peace and unity.
The funds raised from the match will be used to finance Scholas Occurrentes projects, which aid with the integration of disadvantaged children in more than 446,000 schools in 190 countries worldwide.
© LALIGA - 2017