Spanish club El Pozo Murcia held a testimonial match on Thursday for club legend Kike Boned where they also retired his number 13 shirt. The match saw 13 of his retired teammates play a beneficial game against the current El Pozo side with all the proceeds going to a children's leukaemia charity.
The legends side featured some of the biggest names in the history of Spanish futsal including Pato, Paulo Roberto, Vicentín, Javi Limones, Fran Serrejón, Álvaro and Cobeta as well as Kike himself. His side lost the match 5-4 in which the former FutsalPlanet Best Player of the World winner missed a penalty. He redeemed himself later by getting on the score sheet to the delight of the fans in attendance.
It was a deserved tribute to the player that became an emblem of the club during his 13 seasons with them until announcing his retirement last season. He was an integral part of the club’s most successful period, who are also celebrating their 25th anniversary, as well as that of the Spanish national team with whom he won two World Cups. An inspirational leader, he will also be remembered for the respect and admiration he earned from all those he encountered including rivals.
The event ended with the former Spanish international being accompanied by his three children as his retired shirt was raised into the rafters of the Palacio De Deportes, the home venue of El Pozo. His presence on the court may be over but his impact on the club and Spanish futsal will certainly endure.
