Mumbai: 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 image of his younger self 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 shared the moment.

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 competed in the actual matches. This exhibition game 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, conveyed through a translator. “These matches have a different feel, 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’s not 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 was actively competing for Portugal and playing club football with Porto until last year. He was a member of the Portuguese team that triumphed in the 2016 European Championship and participated in some of the most intense El Clasico matches, particularly during the era when Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola were coaching Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

“Things intensified when Mourinho and Guardiola were at the helm for both teams,” Pepe remarked. “Setting aside the conflicts, those matches provided a thrilling atmosphere for spectators. There were altercations between the clubs, the players, the coaches, and even between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo... But those were remarkable years for Spanish football. I experienced it firsthand. Those matches were enjoyable for both fans and players.”

This rivalry stirred strong 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 family tradition 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 noted. “However, people in South America understand the importance 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 continues to be 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 they do for their national teams,” he stated.

Saviola concurred: “In South America also there is big passion. People stop their work to show their colours and watch the match. These are countries with big football traditions. But on the field, there is nothing compared to Barca-Real.”

Another version recalling the Clasico will take place in Mumbai on Sunday, albeit as a friendly.

Unlike the backdrop at the press meet, the team buses have been decorated with updated versions of the players’ pictures. The grey hair and wrinkles are there, but the faces are still very familiar. Faces that bring back memories of thrilling football matches from yesteryear and take one on a nostalgic trip. To when they were 25 and had the footballing world at their feet.

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