Sevilla sporting director Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, known universally as Monchi, recently opened up about one of the most difficult moments of his career: informing the Sevilla squad of the death of Antonio Puerta. The tragedy, which occurred in August 2007, continues to resonate deeply within the club and the wider football community.
Puerta, just 22 years old at the time, collapsed during a La Liga match against Getafe. He tragically passed away three days later, sending shockwaves through Spanish football. Monchi, in an interview with 101 TV Sevilla, detailed the immense emotional weight of delivering the news to the players, a task made even more challenging by the circumstances surrounding the event.
“It was a extremely difficult, very tough moment,” Monchi recalled. “There’s a prior event to consider, which happened the day before in Athens. Antonio’s passing occurred on August 25th, a Saturday, when he collapsed on the field playing against Getafe. I wasn’t at the stadium; a friend of mine was getting married, and I was watching the match with another good friend, Fede Quintero. What happened, happened. I returned to Sevilla on Sunday, and that’s when the hardest news arrived.”
The timing added another layer of complexity. Sevilla was preparing for a Champions League playoff match in Athens, and Monchi found himself tasked with informing the team while the club president was attempting to secure a postponement of the game with UEFA officials. “On Monday, we had to travel to Athens for the Champions League playoff match, and that’s where the news broke. I had to communicate it to the squad because the president was at the UEFA hotel requesting the match be postponed,” he explained.
Monchi likewise highlighted the remarkable show of solidarity from Sevilla’s city rivals, Real Betis, during the period of mourning. The normally fierce rivalry between the two clubs was momentarily set aside as both sets of fans united in grief. “We had to travel from Athens back to Sevilla. The journey… you can imagine how it was. When we arrived at the Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, the chapel of rest was there. It was all very difficult; we practically didn’t sleep all night. The entire city was united, Sevilla without distinguishing colors, completely supportive. Both the Betis and Sevilla sides,” Monchi said.
The loss of Antonio Puerta wasn’t the only devastating moment Monchi cited during the interview. He also spoke about the death of José Antonio Reyes in 2020, calling both tragedies the worst experiences of his career. Reyes, a former Sevilla player who also had spells with Arsenal and Real Madrid, died in a car accident at the age of 35. Monchi, who has served multiple stints as Sevilla’s director of football, has been central to the club’s success over the past two decades, but these personal losses clearly left an indelible mark.
Monchi’s tenure at Sevilla has been defined by a shrewd eye for talent and a commitment to developing players. He’s credited with building the teams that won multiple UEFA Cup/Europa League titles, establishing Sevilla as a consistent force in European football. His ability to identify and nurture young talent, combined with a strong understanding of the transfer market, has made him one of the most respected figures in the game. He has since held directorial positions at Roma and Aston Villa, demonstrating his expertise is highly sought after across Europe.
The emotional toll of these events, however, underscores the human side of football administration. Monchi’s willingness to share his experiences provides a poignant reminder of the profound impact that loss can have on individuals, and communities. His reflections offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by those responsible for managing not just players, but also the emotional well-being of an entire club during times of immense sorrow.
The story of Antonio Puerta remains a somber chapter in Sevilla’s history, and Monchi’s account serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of a young player whose life was tragically cut short. It also highlights the importance of unity and compassion in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by the outpouring of support from both Sevilla and Betis fans.
Sevilla continues to honor Puerta’s memory, and his number 23 shirt has been retired by the club. The club will next face Real Valladolid on March 16th, 2026, in a La Liga match at the Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium. The match will undoubtedly serve as another opportunity to remember Antonio Puerta and celebrate his life.
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