Juan Carlos Unzue

OGbarca

Banned
man, that hurts right in the heart ):

i am relieved that he has access to a lot of resources and support. but what a tragic and horrible illness ):
 

Windhook

Well-known member
I tear up every time I see videos of his. I'm really saddened by his condition, but boy his positive spirit strikes me so much. What a strong human being!
 

CatalinR10

Senior Member
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Messi983

Senior Member
Juan Carlos Unzué will no longer offer his technical commentary on 'DAZN' broadcasts. The former Navarre goalkeeper will thus end his time as a commentator on the streaming platform due to the progress of his illness. Unzué announced in June 2020 that he suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative disease that causes progressive muscle paralysis.

The former goalkeeper and former coach of FC Barcelona was going to announce his decision at the end of the match between the Catalans and Osasuna, two of the teams he loves. However, the sudden death of Dr. Miñarro and the suspension of the match brought things forward.

Sandra Díaz, Unzué's colleague at 'DAZN', was in charge of introducing a video in which Miguel Ángel Román, another of the platform's announcers, chatted with the Navarrese. "We have come to your house, among other things, so that you can announce something to us," said the Catalan journalist. Unzué then communicated the reasons that have led him to decide to leave television. "You have given me the possibility of watching or seeing the games with that coach's gaze. I want to announce to you that due to this respiratory limitation, I need to make more effort to speak. So I think the time has come to stop commenting on 'DAZN' games, much to my regret." The conversation was part of an interview that the platform will broadcast in full this coming Tuesday, the 11th.
 

Messi983

Senior Member
Dream Team captain Jose Mari Bakero was one of the masterminds behind organizing a surprise lunch at the Can Malazas restaurant with Juan Carlos Unzué. The Navarrese native continues to fight ALS with exemplary daily commitment to achieving better conditions for the victims of this cruel disease.

Along with Unzué and Bakero, Angoy, López Rekarte, Nadal, Salva García, Koeman, Julio Alberto, Juan Carlos, Sergi Barjuan, Milla, Amor, Urbano, Eusebio, Valverde, and Julio Salinas were present. Others were unable to attend for professional or logistical reasons but were there for Unzué wholeheartedly. Also in attendance were Barça's assistant coach, Charly Rexach, as well as manager Carles Naval and other legendary employees such as Jaume Langa.

Juan Carlos Unzué was given a painting featuring references to cycling and his other hobbies, and throughout the entire session, the Navarrese native appeared cheerful, serene, and happy to relive old times with his former teammates. They all chatted for six hours in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Laughter was the guiding thread throughout one of those unforgettable meals for everyone present.


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Messi983

Senior Member
There was an ALS Day on Saturday but sadly not nearly enough awareness for this disease and most patients/their families are often still on their own.

Each year on June 21, the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations recognizes Global Day – a day to raise awareness of ALS/MND, a disease that affects people in every country around the world. ALS/MND does not discriminate by race, ethnicity, income, or geography.


That interview is a life lesson for everyone. We complain about "little things" in our lifes and often make them bigger issues than they really are. But as he said as long as you are healthy and have the right mentality you can do almost everything. It's sad most of us don't realize that until it's too late.

He said at start of the video that next week (July 1) there will be 6 years since he was diagnosed. Doctors initially gave him four more years to live and yet he's still here. And I think that positive attitude is a big reason why. He accepted his fate as he said he's not stupid to believe he can win against a disease that nobody has beaten. But he "enjoys" the new life the best he can and try not to make life of those the closest to him even harder than it is. Couldn't blame him if he would be grumpy and berating everyone like many people in his positon would do when they feel useless and just wait for their moment to come. His wife is a big hero as well. Can't imagine how hard must be to take care of him with disease progressing. And ofc looking at a person she loves slowly dying in front of her eyes knowing she can't do anything is just terrible.

He's using last years (and now probably months :shakeshead:) of his life to travel around Spain (which in his condition must be very demanding) to raise awareness and help other ALS patients. He's financially capable to cover costs of the disease but most people can't afford that. People's lifes should not depend on their social status but as we know that's not the case.

Unzué denounced that since the law was passed, 600 ALS patients have died without receiving this aid, which he emphasized is necessary to address these individuals' needs and entails high costs. "A few people, wanting to live, have been forced to die, in some cases to avoid ruining their families," he stated. :shakeshead:


His speech in the congress last year was powerful too.



The new ALS law passed in October last year but not much has really changed in reality over last 8-9 months as patients are still waiting for the financial aid. And some won't need that anymore. Probably those corrupted politicians let people die and keep money in their pockets. :sick:


In Spain, it is estimated that between 4,000 and 4,500 people live with ALS. Every day, three people are diagnosed and another three die from it. The average age at diagnosis is between 55 and 65 years, and life expectancy is between three and five years.

The direct and indirect costs of the disease can easily exceed €35,000 per year, and can rise to €100,000 in advanced stages. This is an unaffordable figure for most families, who must cope with home care, technical equipment, home adaptations, therapies, speech therapy, and communication devices.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Health announced a "shock plan" with a €10 million allocation for patients in advanced stages of the disease, as a temporary solution while structural funding is negotiated. For the associations, this is an "insufficient and belated" measure.

Since the law was passed, more than 600 people have died without receiving any help, Jiménez Aroca complains. "We were promised dignity, but we continue to depend on the invisible efforts of families."


 

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