Rafael Pérez González, born in Olite (Navarra) 77 years ago, played for Espanyol between 1974 and 1983, retiring at Sabadell in 1986. After hanging up his boots, he began a 36-year career teaching at UPC, combining his studies in quantity surveying and architecture with professional football, a rare practice during his era.
“"Football is like a wound that leaves a mark, you never get rid of it."
Marañón, who currently advises the club and presides over the Veterans Association, recalled the difficulty of the professional transition. He emphasized that, despite the successes, football did not guarantee long-term financial security, which is why he opted for a tenured position at the university. It was Pirri, his teammate at Real Madrid, who encouraged him to study.
“"I valued footballers who were capable of playing and studying. Pirri encouraged me to do it."
The former player expressed his deep connection to the old Sarrià stadium, which he considers “everything,” although he now lives nearby and has grown accustomed to its absence. He also recalled the most painful moment of his career: when Mario Alberto Kempes snatched the Pichichi trophy from him on the final matchday, a fact that “stung a lot”.
