“RC Celta Salutes a Legend: Thank You, Hugo Mallo”
The RC Celta jersey that he wore at A Madroa when he was just 12 years old will no longer be visible. In his next match, he will put on a different one, honoring it as he always has, but after the final whistle, the sky blue will resurface. The one he has worn day and night since he was a child. The one that is indistinguishable from his skin.
His numbers are impressive, a standout part of the club’s history, but the sum of all of them: matches, seasons, goals, assists… they don’t justly define his figure. Yes, 449 matches, and in each one of them he left a part of his soul, in each one he defended the shield with the utmost effort, with determination and decisiveness. And in many of those matches, he played with pain, with injuries that limited his performance and even tarnished his image, but did not diminish his dedication and courage.
Yes, 14 seasons, and in each one he left valuable teachings. He always warmly welcomed the academy players, carefully showed the way to all those who dream of being like him, he took care of them as only another academy player can do.
In each one of those campaigns, he earned the captain’s armband. He wore it with commitment and dignity, with immense pride. He made it an important part of his life and thus, with that love for the club reaffirmed in every minute of play, in every second inside the dressing room, he himself became an important part of the life of this club and its fans.
RC Celta loses a reference, a guide, but not a celtista. And gains a legend.
Thank you for everything, Hugo Mallo.
