Hispano Aviación HA-200D aircraft inaugurated as tribute to Atlético-Aviación
President Enrique Cerezo, CEO Miguel Ángel Gil, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Air Force Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, captains Koke and Saúl and club legends Salva Ballesta, Roberto Solozábal, Abel Resino, Julio Orozco and Manuel Sánchez Delgado ‘Manolo’ attended the emotional event.
The Hispano Aviación HA-200D aircraft, which in September was installed outside the Wanda Metropolitano as a tribute to Atlético-Aviación, was inaugurated on Thursday. Our club won its first two league titles (1939/40 and 1940/41) during that time.
Our President Enrique Cerezo, CEO Miguel Ángel Gil, Chief of Staff of the Spanish Air Force Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, captains Koke and Saúl and club legends Salva Ballesta, Roberto Solozábal, Abel Resino, Julio Orozco and Manuel Sánchez Delgado ‘Manolo’ attended the event. Family members of footballers who played for our club during that time were also present.
Enrique Cerezo thanked the attendees who were at the event.
“Today we want to pay tribute to the directors, coaches, players, employees and collaborators who, between 1939 and 1947, were part of one of our club’s most successful and emotional eras. We’ve inaugurated this monument as a tribute to that period in which we won our first two league titles,” our President said.
It's a beautiful day, because we remember Atlético de Madrid's history. I'm very proud to be here,
Javier Salto Martínez-Avial spoke about the relationship between our club and the Spanish Air Force.
“History has always united Atlético de Madrid and the Air Force. We share many values such as determination, hard work, discipline, team spirit and tradition. I want to thank the organisers of the event, and I look forward to the year 2039, when we will celebrate our centenary,” the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Air Force said.
Koke also spoke at the event.
“It’s a beautiful day, because we remember Atlético de Madrid’s history. I’m very proud to be here,” our captain said.
In 1939, after the end of the Spanish Civil War, our club and Spain were in great difficulty. The possibility arose for the club to survive by merging with Club Aviación Nacional. Thus, on October 4, 1939, Athletic-Aviación Club was born, which in January of 1941 was renamed Club Atlético-Aviación. This made it possible for our team to compete in the first league championship after the Civil War. After that, a successful period began in which the first two league titles of our history (1939/40 and 1940/41) were won. The aircraft bears the shield with the Spanish Air Force wings which that team wore on its shirt.
Our fans now have the chance to enjoy the plane that pays tribute to Atlético-Aviación, which is located between the Wanda Metropolitano’s east side and the north end.
