Spain in mourning, former goalkeeper Manuel Ochotorena dies: he was 64 years old

Raised in Castilla, he debuted in La Liga with Real Madrid, but enjoyed his best seasons with Valencia. Once he retired he became a goalkeeper coach.

The world of football mourns Manuel Ochotorena. The former goalkeeper of real Madrid And Valencia he passed away last night at the age of 64. Although he didn’t make many appearances for the Spanish national team, his class still remains iconic. Source of inspiration for many extreme defenders, the death of the ex blancos leaves an unfillable void in the hearts of the fans.

Manuel Ochotorena (left) as Spain’s goalkeeping coach

Spain in mourning, Manuel Ochotorena passed away at 64 years old

—

Sometimes you don’t need to win trophies to become an icon in the world of football. If you convey the passion and desire to fight then you are already a legend. This is what Manuel managed to do Ochotorena. The former goalkeeper died tonight at the age of 64 due to an illness that struck him in recent months. In his twenty-year career he has won three times the La Liga, two editions of the UEFA Cup and also a Copa de la Ligaall wearing the shirt of real Madrid.

In 1988 he moved to Valenciawhere it reaches the apex of the form. His best season was 1989/90, when the Bats finished second in the league, with Ochotorena conceding the fewest goals in the league. In the same season, his excellent performances opened the doors to the Spanish national team, which took him to the 1990 World Cup.

After seasons below expectations with Tenerife and LogronesOchotorena decided to retire in 1998, but didn’t completely hang up his gloves. Indeed, he makes them available to young goalkeepers, becoming their athletic trainer. In that role, he lent his talents to the Valencia and crossed the Channel to work with the Liverpool. But his golden touch really shone with the Spanish national team. Under his leadership, the Spain he dominated, winning the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, as well as triumphing at the 2010 World Cup. His sharp and innovative methods have developed some of the best goalkeepers in the world. His training has been described as revolutionary.

Having learned the sad news, Spanish football joined in the family’s grief with messages of condolence, including Valencia himself who defined the former goalkeeper as a “true legend of the club”.