The words exchanged between Sir Alex and Ramon Calderon might escalate into a diplomatic fracas between the Spanish and British government. It re-opens wounds.
With Spain electing one of the most progressive governments even by Western European standards, it has since actively embarked on distancing itself from Franco’s totalitarian legacy. The Spanish parliament recently passed a landmark bill that condemns the Franco years and demands compensations for its victims, the exact number remains unknown but could well be over 500,000 dead. Sir Alex’s invoking of the dictator might constitute a fourth rail word.
Real Madrid’s icon Alfredo di Stefano was not amused by Sir Alex’s dig at the club and in a press conference tried to humorously pass it off as saying that Franco played as an “inside left” for Deportivo and played well in that position. He also said that at that time what were they supposed to do, govern the Franco government? As players they could do little except play good soccer, win titles, and make people happy. All of which made the Bernabeu a special place.
Sir Alex maybe guilty of inflammatory comments but isn’t it strange that Cristiano Ronaldo who has been called a modern day slave, is in the center of the storm over a debate on Spain’s less savoury history. This is definitely above his pay grade. We truly are at the crossroads of civilization. I think it was better when Ronaldo was cavorting around with hooker girl friends. Happy days. Better pictures.