Futre: From Disdain to Colchoneros Glory
Paulo Futre, a Rojiblancos legend, reveals a key episode in his arrival at Atlético de Madrid. Before donning the red and white, Futre met with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus. Real Madrid’s reception was cordial, but the meeting with Barcelona, according to him, was a humiliation.
The Catalan club questioned his personal life, doubting his stability and professionalism simply because he was Portuguese. This snub deeply affected Futre, who found in Atlético de Madrid the perfect refuge and the ideal stage to prove his worth.
And he certainly did. In his first year, fate had him face Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Futre, motivated by the insult, played an exceptional game, leading Atlético to a 1-2 victory. A sweet revenge savored from the pitch, with his gaze fixed on the box where the culé managers were.
But the revenge did not stop there. Weeks later, in a Madrid derby at the Bernabéu, Futre shone again, contributing with a goal and two assists to Atlético’s resounding 0-4 victory. A memorable performance that consecrated him as a Colchoneros idol and a Merengue nightmare.
Futre became a symbol of Atlético de Madrid, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the fans. He played 216 official matches, scoring 52 goals and providing 39 assists, in addition to lifting two Copa del Rey titles. Beyond the titles, Futre is proud to have paved the way for other Portuguese footballers, preventing them from suffering the same demeaning treatment he experienced.
