The Little Prince recalled with an inflated chest obtaining the Clausura in 2002 while the club was going through a deep economic crisis and highlighted the good relationship that existed in the squad.
Champion in bankruptcy, I don’t forget it anymore! The complex economic moment that Colo Colo was going through in 2002 was not an impediment to lifting the Clausura Tournament title after beating Universidad Católica in the final at the National Stadium.
The pride of Rodolfo Madrid when remembering the title in bankruptcy
One who referred to this situation was Rodolfo Madrid, who in conversation with DaleAlbo, proudly recalled what was that period that culminated in the best way: conquering one of the most emotional stars in the history of the Cacique.
In the first instance, the Little Prince stated that they are “20 years of having achieved that title, which was very symbolic and important. Several of us had opportunities to play and have to live with that moment that was not pleasant due to countless things that were happening around and within the club”.
“Little by little we got stronger in the middle of the championship to be able to be champions. What remains is all that we had to live to be able to get the title that was a lot of effort, ”she added.
Subsequently, he referred to all the complications and efforts they made so that the club does not disappear. “If we didn’t get certain income, the club was simply going to disappearbut little by little we were told that there was going to be this continuity of business and that during the course of the championship we had to do extra activities to add resources to the club, something that we were all willing to do. Colo Colo is our children’s club from the majority of that campus and we were willing to do whatever”, he indicated.
“Playing was important, but we also had countless things to do around, play games in different places in Chile to bring resources. Sometimes we charged 50%, 70% and they completed our salaries later. All that was aside, because our focus was to enjoy the shirt we always dreamed of and this pressure that Colo Colo always has to fight for important places. Having money or not, we were not unaware of it, it is part of our history and we had to live up to it. Fortunately we were able to do it, keep the club as champion. It reflected everything we did in the year and that’s why it has this special seasoning”, he added.
In addition, he took off his hat to the good relationship that existed within the campus. “We had good ties, we knew each other from when we were in cadets. With the older ones, who were kept from the previous year, we had a great time. I accompanied the groups that were going to dance to the programs, to play the games, to the Colotón to receive the people as hosts. It was very intense that year and culminating in the full national championship, they filled the Monumental, all these signs were helping us achieve this title that was so expected and longed for by us”, he maintained.
The role of the team leaders stands out: Espina and Barticciotto
Finally, he highlighted the role of the leaders of that team such as Marcelo Barticciotto and Marcelo Espina. “Without a doubt, both are very important in that championship.. Marcelo Espina was more on the field, he helped you a lot in game situations. I highlight that a lot because I foresaw situations that were going to happen very quickly in the game and that helped a lot. to complement what he did because he was our leader.”
“And Marcelo Barticciotto for me is a very important personBecause I always had him as a reference, I won’t even tell you about the joys as a child I had with him and then having him by my side was a dream, as a colocolino, as a fan. he is an amazing person. A colocolino to death, He suffered because he didn’t play, it was a bit difficult for him not to play, he wanted to play. The signs of affection that he gave us, we tried to return it to him“, hill.
