Jose Ortiz: ‘It was the game of my dreams; I didn’t want this magical night to end’
The former Rojiblanco player, who has worn the UD Almeria jersey competing in all tiers of Spanish football, experienced memorable moments in his testimonial match.
José Ortiz Bernal, one of the most charismatic footballers in the history of UD Almería football, now a legend, relished a well-earned testimonial match played at the Power Horse Stadium in front of 4,000 fans and surrounded by many team-mates with whom he shared moments of glory back in the day. Not surprisingly, the eternal UD Almeria captain has worn the UD Almeria jersey competing in all tiers of Spanish football until making the leap to the Primera Division.
‘It was the game of my dreams. I didn’t want this magical night to end, as happened to me in 2007 after winning promotion to the top flight when we were celebrating on the open-top bus surrounded by thousands of jubilant fans,’ Ortiz Bernal said emotionally after his testimonial game came to an end. The former UD Almeria player stated: ‘I feel more than a little proud of the support of the fans and team-mates who have accompanied me, who also deserve to be honored considering they’ve contributed enormously to football in Almeria.’
Ortiz, who was also supported at all times by his family and close friends, had kind words for the ARGAR Association that helps boys and girls suffering from cancer in Almería: ‘All proceeds will go to them. I’m happy that together we’ve done our bit. He also thanked the institutions and the Club for their massive support and also recalled fondly the late legend Juan Rojas.
