“I really don’t know if I was better than Pele, but I do know that di Stefano was better than Pele. I can say that Maradona could be worse than Pele, but I emphasize that di Stefano was better. The mere mention of Don Alfredo fills me with pride.” – Diego Maradona
“People argue between Pele or Maradona, [but] di Stefano is the best, much more complete.” – Pele
Don Alfredo’s death just after Real Madrid lifting the unprecedented 10th Champions League trophy could make one believe that he was living on borrowed time for quite a while. In Vedic literature, it is said that great Human beings – the yogis – can control their time and place of death. It seems like the Don was one of those mystics. He loved the Club so much that he held his breath just long enough to see his beloved lift its 10th European Cup.
The moment Real Madrid won La Decima, a part of me knew that the legend won’t be with us long enough physically. However, the legend is immortal – his name will resonate with the name of Real Madrid till the end of this world. Generations after generations of Football fans will know him as the greatest player to have played in Spain.
When you become the reason for many people’s happiness, you become eternal. One of the roots of all happiness for Madridistas is Don Alfredo. Every big player that joins Los Blancos states the glorious history of the Club to be the main reason for his arrival; and it was Don Alfredo who played a massive part to create that history.
Many mourned his death, but even more cherished his memory. His body might have left us, but he will forever remain in the hearts of Madridistas and Football fans alike – both in present and future set of fans.
Goodbye, Don Alfredo. You graced the Earth with your transcendental feet, now the heaven is more radiant because of your luminous presence – just how the hearts of millions of Madridistas become when they remember you.