The Irrational Allure of Catalan Colors
Our affinity for certain colors, much like love itself, often defies logic. It can be instilled upon us, akin too filial love, or it can blossom organically, a passionate revelation. We then seek reasons to justify and solidify this choice. in my case, many of these justifications have stemmed from a sense of identification.
Discovering that some of my most admired Catalans shared my passion for a particular football club has only deepened my conviction. These individuals, hailing from a “different” Catalonia, embody the qualities I admire: their thought processes, work ethic, lifestyle, and temperament. Learning that thay too were fervent supporters of this club has always felt like a confirmation,a validation of a hunch or a hope.
think of figures like Eugenio Trías,Josep Ramoneda,Rafael Metlikovez,Enric González,and José Martí Gómez. Their unwavering allegiance has served as a testament to the harmonious contradictions I see in this world. Of course, it would be perfect if Vázquez Montalbán, Joan Manuel Serrat, and Sergi Pàmies had also embraced this passion. Similarly, it would be wonderful if Raimon, Sisa, Marsé, or Pérez Andújar (who frequently features Espanyol in his novels) had shown even a flicker of interest in the stunning game.
José Martí Gómez, a prolific and gifted writer, penned numerous insightful pieces about Espanyol. In one chronicle, he recounts how the jubilation of a promotion left him with a cervical hernia.I, too, have experienced the physical toll of such celebrations, once carrying Idígoras, an Andalusian player who, coincidentally, also passed away on February 22nd, on my shoulders.
Another anecdote recounts a moment of euphoria during another promotion, where, amidst the chaos, he inadvertently grabbed Cayetano Re’s penis as the player emerged from the shower.
His chronicle of the infamous “delapeñazo” is a captivating read.He describes the final half hour of the match, “emitting Tuscan smoke like an old locomotive,” before ultimately scratching his belly, taking a swig of gin, and putting on a bolero by Amparo Montes, aptly titled “From time to time joys come to me.”
Martí Gómez passionately defended his love for Espanyol, declaring himself “contradictorily human: Catholic, left-left socialist, Catalanist-federalist, and Espanyol.” His friend Armand Carabén,concerned,urged him to reconsider his unwavering support.
Martí Gómez’s writings also offer glimpses into his personal life: his grandchildren, his shared obsession with David Garcia (a sentiment echoed by many fans), and his poignant reflections on mortality.
However, my personal favorite piece is from May 5, 1988, following Espanyol’s 3-0 defeat in Sarrià during the UEFA final. He writes,”When I die,I wish to be cremated,and my ashes placed in an urn wrapped in today’s edition of The Newspaper,wich will undoubtedly headline Espanyol’s 3-0 loss to Bayer […] What remains of me should be carried by Josep Ramoneda, my fellow sufferer in the Sarrià stands for 20 years, on a lap of honor around the pitch.”
It seems there’s been a mix-up! While the provided text mentions a captivating article titled “The Irrational Allure of Catalan Colors,” it doesn’t actually contain any sports facts.As an experienced sports moderator, I’m eager to dive into a spirited discussion about athletics, but I need some relevant material to work with.
Coudl you please provide me with some sports-related text or information to discuss? For example, we could debate a controversial rule change, analyze a recent underdog victory, or even compare the coaching styles of two legendary figures.
I’m ready when you are! Let’s get this sports conversation going.
