Luis Enrique

Barcaman

Administrator
Staff member
FC Barcelona played Gijon just few days ago and this gave me a little inspiration to write something about Luis Enrique, Gijon born footballer that became Barca legend.

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As already mentioned, Enrique, also known as "Lucho", started his career in Sporting, where he scored 14 goals in 2 seasons before eventually signing for Real Madrid. 5 years in capital were enough for Lucho and once his contract ran out he moved to Blaugrana on a free transfer. Needles to say it was a shocking move and even Cules weren`t happy about it at first.


FC Barcelona

Barca at that time (1996) was a club made of stellar players. Bobby Robson was their new manager, Stoichkov returned, Brazil new prodigy Ronaldo was signed, youngsters De La Pena and Figo were producing the spark and in that atmosphere Lucho had an easier job to fit in as all the highlights were on "star" players. Pretty soon though, Luis Enrique became one of the most notable players in that group, player that stuck with the team even when all of the mentioned left.

One of his best qualities was probably his versatility. He could play just about anywhere except as central or left back. He had a high stamina, good pace and was a born leader. Those characteristics led him to unthinkable - a former Madrid player became FC Barcelona captain.
I can still remember the jeers and insults that he had to take every time we visited Madrid but that didn`t deter him the slightless. A true fighter that he was, he played even more committed in those derbies.

Lucho stayed at Barca for 8 seasons. He scored 128 goals for Blaugrana helping his team win 2 La Liga`s, 2 Cups, Cup Winners Cup, European Super Cup, Spanish Super Cup and 2 Catalan Cups.

Luis Enrique came back to FC Barcelona last summer and is now Barca Athletic coach. When he returned his words were these: "I`ve returned home"


Other endeavors:

After quitting football, Lucho moved to Australia to practice surfing. Few years after he was running marathons, every year finished one of them (for those of you who don`t know it`s a 45 kilometers run).
Two years ago Enrique engaged in Ironman (competition that consists of running a marathon, swimming 3.9 km and 180 kilometers biking) and finished it successfully.
Looking at his perfect shape, one cannot but wonder, could he had stayed for few more season in FC Barcelona
 

Barca_Ray_USA

New member
Lucho! How can anyone forget him. He was quite a character.
If you think Iniesta is versatile, you haven`t seen Enrique play
 

Barcaman

Administrator
Staff member
Actually, he was born in Gijon. You must be referring to his Real Madrid playing days
 

Zqa-

New member
Luis Enrique is a legend. One of my favorite players of all times.

I remember him playing nearly every position on the field, except for keeper. And he played them all very good, but was surely best on the attacking mid.
 

Benetton

The Rolling Stone
Luis Enrique was the best. I am looking forward that he should replace Guardiola as manager if something goes wrong.
 
R

Red Devil

Guest
A legend not only of Barca but of world football always popped up with important goals a brilliant player .

These players set our clubs apart from other clubs both Barca and United are full of amazing players .
 

diegomessi

Anxiously waiting for the next match
He was one my fav back in the day! Now he raising those Barça kids right... Now if we can just get Frank Rijkaard involved in the Academy and maybe even maldini!
 

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