India, April 5 --With a broad smile, Fernando Morientes declared, placing his hand over his heart: "I'm 25."

The former Spanish striker, known for his timely contributions to Real Madrid, basked in the applause as he celebrated his 48th birthday at a hotel in Mumbai on Saturday. The Morientes present at the front of the room bore a few more grey hairs and wrinkles compared to the youthful image of him displayed in the background. He was joined by former Portuguese defender Pepe, Brazil's 2002 World Cup champion Edmilson, and former Argentina forward Javier Saviola, all of whom sat alongside him.

The group was participating in a press conference a day prior to a 'legends El Clasico derby,' featuring former players from Real Madrid and Barcelona who had once played in the actual matches. This exhibition is scheduled to take place on Sunday at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

They radiated a sense of tranquility as they prepared for a match that evoked memories of one of the most significant rivalries from their playing careers. Even in retirement, the loyalties and rivalries remain intact.

"When you are a football player, that identity stays with you," Morientes, a two-time La Liga and three-time Champions League champion with Real Madrid, stated through a translator. "These matches feel a bit different, allowing for more enjoyment, but the competitive spirit between Barcelona and Real Madrid will always persist. You are representing your team, and that responsibility remains."

On Sunday, they will join forces with notable players such as Rivaldo, Luis Figo, Michael Owen, Carles Puyol, and many others from both clubs in an exhibition match where some rivalries still linger.

"It's a unique match since it isn't a professional game," remarked Pepe, the tenacious defender who secured three Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid. "We recognize that Barcelona has had the upper hand recently, so we need to address that tomorrow."

Pepe, the Enforcer

At 42 years old, Pepe recently concluded his playing career, having represented Portugal and FC Porto until last year. A member of Portugal's triumphant 2016 European Championship squad, he participated in some of the most intense El Clasico matches, particularly during the era when José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola were at the helm of Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

"Things intensified when Mourinho and Guardiola were leading both teams," Pepe remarked. "Setting aside the confrontations, those matches provided a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. There were clashes between the clubs, the players, the coaches, and of course, between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo... Those were remarkable years for Spanish football. I experienced it firsthand. They were exciting matches for both fans and players."

This rivalry stirred deep emotions and captivated audiences worldwide. Saviola, who has played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid (and will represent Barcelona in Mumbai), recalls the match as a cherished family event during his childhood in Argentina.

"Rivalries have always held significance, and in Argentina, we had a major one with River Plate and Boca Juniors," he reminisced. "However, people in South America understand the magnitude of El Clasico. As a child, I would watch it with my family."

Although the rivalry between the two clubs may have softened somewhat compared to over a decade ago, it remains one of the most significant events in global football. According to former Barcelona player Edmilson, El Clasico has even eclipsed the Brazil-Argentina derby in prominence.

"I may be somewhat critical, but I believe players perform better in Barca-Real matches than for their national teams," he stated.

Saviola agreed: "In South America, there is immense passion. People pause their work to don their team colors and watch the game. These nations have rich football traditions. Yet, on the pitch, nothing compares to Barca-Real."

Another edition of El Clasico is set to take place in Mumbai on Sunday, albeit in a friendly format.

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