De la Fuente hailed as Haro’s pride after World Cup triumph | OneFootball

Luis de la Fuente returned to Haro to a hero’s welcome, with thousands saluting Spain’s world champion coach. According to as.com, the hometown tribute left him visibly moved.

Plaza de la Paz filled early, many children in Spain shirts. He spent close to an hour signing autographs and taking photos beside the World Cup, then addressed fans from the town hall balcony.

A giant banner with his image signalled the city’s support. Beside him stood his son Alberto, La Rioja president Gonzalo Capellán and Haro mayor Guadalupe Fernández.

He said messages of support arrived from across Spain during the tournament, yet recognition in his own town felt unique. He added that he is proud and still processing what Spain achieved.

De la Fuente speaks fondly of his roots. He left at 16 for Athletic after Piru Gainza admired his play, and still finds calm near his birthplace.

Later he visited the Luis de la Fuente Stadium, where another thousand people acclaimed him, and attended the Trofeo Luis de la Fuente, now with more than 30 editions, as Haro’s Tercera Federación side hosted Unión Deportiva Logroñés of Primera Federación.

Further tributes await on 22 at San Mamés when Athletic face Sevilla. De la Fuente is due to be applauded, with Simón, Laporte and Nico Williams set to receive ovations on the pitch. After Nations League, Euros and World Cup, he said the plan is simple, rest and keep enjoying Haro.

Source: as.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”