UD Almería offer flowers to 'Virgen del Mar'
The Club keeps this tradition alive as players, coaches and managers visited the church of the Patroness Saint of Almería city on the eve of the official season kick-off
UD Almería keep the traditional visit to the church of the 'Virgen del Mar', Patroness Saint of Almería city, alive. On the eve of the start of the official season, the floral offering was made hoping to return in a few months in order to dedicate the promotion to the top flight to Her. The church was packed since there were also many fans who gathered at this event, who took advantage of it to take photos with the players and ask them for autographs.
The Club's representation has been numerous. It was headed by Managing Director and CEO Mohamed El Assy and was attended by the entire first-team (players and coaches). In addition, UD Almería 'B' head coach Alberto Lasarte as well as the three 'B' team co-captains, Joan, Paco Sanz and Peñalver, were present; UD Almería Women head coach Pedro López and players Jessi, Paqui, Mireya and Lucía, as well as the board of directors of the Federation of Supporters Clubs chaired by Mónica Ruiz. Former councillors and presidents of UD Almería, who are regular in this floral offering such as Guillermo Blanes, Manolo García, Luis Guillén, Onofre Díaz and Mariano Blanco, who continues working for the Club as general secretary, also attended the event.
Father José Barroso, prior of the Dominicans, acted as host along with members of the Brotherhood of the 'Virgen del Mar.' First of all, he thanked the presence of UD Almería because 'you always have to return to your Mother's house. I hope the Patroness gives you the necessary strength to achieve the goal of the season, which has to be promotion to Primera, something that all of Almería is looking forward to.'
'I've felt homesick and I decided to return to earn promotion to Primera again,' UD Almería first-team head coach Rubi continued. On behalf of the entire Club, he expressed pride in being in the church of the 'Virgen del Mar',' and in addition, the head coach thanked the warm welcome received on his return. 'We have a group of players who are going to give it their all to redeem themselves for last season and return here in a few months to offer the Virgen del Mar promotion,' Rubi concluded.
