Jose Ortiz's testimonial will raise money for Argar Association

José Ortiz, the UD Almería 'eternal captain' will be honored on Tuesday, 27 December in a testimonial game to raise money for the Argar Association, whose aim is to help children suffering from cancer in Almería, with whom the former Rojiblanco player has always collaborated closely.

The testimonial match was presented during a press conference held a the Power Horse Stadium press room, in which the honoree has been accompanied by Almería Mayoress María del Mar Vazquez, Diputación de Almería President Javier Aureliano García, Argar Association President Rosa Onieva and UD Almería general secretary Mariano Blanco. María del Mar Peláez, from the La Caixa Foundation, who is one of the sponsors; José Martín Doblado, president of the Almería Football Federation as well as members of the organising committee of the match, such as David Fernández Borbalán, Juan José Melero and Salvador Rodríguez Moya attended the presser along with relatives and close friends of José Ortiz.

Mariano Blanco started speaking on behalf of UD Almería, which, in collaboration with the named institutions and entities, have organised the testimonial match. The general secretary of the board of directors of the Club was proud to pay this tribute to Jose Ortiz, who has played in all UD Almería ranks until reaching the top tier. He made an appeal to the fans and the general public to support Ortiz in his tribute and collect as much as possible for the Argar Association.

Tickets can be purchased online from this Wednesday (10am) at tickets.udalmeriasad.com until Tuesday, 27 December (2pm) and besides, next week, seats can be secured in person at the Power Horse Stadium ticket offices. The prices are 1€ for under-12s and 3€ for adults. In addition there will be a VIP row to make donations in the bank account of 'La Caixa' ES69 2100 4151 8122 0002 6691.

'I'd like to thank UD Almería for opening their doors to us. I'm ecstatic, excited and a bit nervous. This is a dream for me,' exclaimed Jose Ortiz before explaining that the game will feature legends from Almería such as Francisco, Kalu Uche, Juanma Ortiz, Juanlu, Jaime...trained by Casuco, and legends of Andalusian football.

The former footballer added 'I also want to thank Ángel Acién and Juan José Melero for having the brilliant idea once the covid-19 pandemic was over and also to former Almería Mayor Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, who accepted the challenge. Likewise to Turki Al-Sheikh and his board of directors, who have made the Club larger and are turning the stadium into a five-star venue with an ambitions project of the Academy.'

Argar Association President Rosa Onieva appreciated the organisations of this meeting of football legends for two reasons: 'the tribute to Ortiz and the collection of funds for children suffering from cancer and their families. The Diputación de Almería President highlighted Ortiz's footballing career: 'He's a person who knows that team-work lead to success and worn the UD Almería jersey with humility on all the football pitches across Spain, from the fourth tier to the football elite. I'm a big Almería and Ortiz fan.'

Last but not least, the Almería Mayoress stressed 'when somebody feels the colours of his team...he's loyal and that's exactly what happens with José Ortiz, who has always been a great captain and ambassador of Almería city. I invite all the people of Almeria to come on 27 December to see all these legends playing and help Argar Association.'