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 The people who make a difference in the Canary Islands Interview Cristo - One of the fan’s and this newspapers favourite footballers is Las Zocas born striker Cristo Marrero. Cristo Marrero - CD Tenerife’s Talisman He has been kicking a football since he was eight years old, playing in Las Zocas, in South Tenerife, in the lower categories, but his ambition was always to don the Blanquiazul shirt and join the club as a player in the Heliodoro stadium.  While he might not have been in the side’s starting eleven too many times this season, he is a regular substitute and the reception he receives from the fans every time he takes to the pitch confirms his ‘talisman’ status. Armada Sur and Island Connections’ Chris Todd caught up with Cristo on the flight to the recent away game against Zaragoza and managed to fire off a few questions in between team talks. Island Connections: Realistically, where is the team going to finish in the table – first, second or third? Cristo Marrero: I really do not mind where the team finish in the league. The top three clubs will all play next season in the ‘Primera’. IC: If CD Tenerife don’t win promotion, would it be the biggest disappointment of your career? CM: No, I think we have had a great season and in the end I hope that we can achieve the desired promotion. IC: What has been the difference this year? Players? Coaching strategy? Their rivals? CM: Without doubt the union between the fans and the team from the very start of the campaign. Also the base of a well planned squad capable of great things. IC: What about the fans – they have been incredible this season...how would they cope if the team don’t actually achieve promotion? CM: I hope and I am sure that the supporters will support the team come what may during the rest of the season. IC: Why has the team won such a loyal following – attendance in the Heliodoro has been consistently excellent this season..better than most in the division? CM: The team have been playing some great football and the fans have been attending the stadium en masse to witness a spectacle once a fornight in the Heliodoro Stadium. IC: Last time the side won promotion they went straight back down the following season. What is the key to staying in La Liga – is it important that the club make sure Oltra stays on as trainer. What players must the side not lose to other teams? CM: In my opinion we need to maintain 80 per cent of the current squad and make the rest up with good experienced players from the Primera Liga. It would obviously be very important to keep José Luis Oltra as the manager. IC: Best player in the side (excluding himself of course)? CM: For me, Nino and midfield general Ricardo. IC: Best match of the season so far? CM: The derby victory over UD Las Palmas in Gran Canaria back in November. IC: Magic moment of the season so far? CM: It’s still to come! IC: And Cristo Marrero next season – where will he be? CM: I still not have decided where my future lies for next season. IC: If you’re not playing, would you like to think you would still be involved with the club in some way? CM: It would be something to seriously think about yes. IC: When we last spoke, a few years ago, you told us your favourite trainer with the club had been Pepé Mel, and favourite player Hugo Morales....is that still the case? CM: They were both great professionals and I still have a lot of respect for them but someone who personally marked my football career was David Amaral (currently with UD Salamanca). A footballer who made a great impression on me was ex-Tenerife player Jesús Vásquez who now plies his trade at Recreativo de Huelva in La Liga. IC: Any comments for our readers. CM:Finally, thank you very much for all the support this season from the foriegn fans resident in the South of Tenerife. It is very much appreciated.
| Canary Islands - 08.02.2012 - Yesterday's ugly scenes at Bilbao airport, where Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary had to be given a police escort after his provocation of former Spanair employees, prompted a furious reaction against the head of the airline by Canarian MP Ana Oramas. more... Las Palmas - 08.02.2012 - The snags preventing the release of tickets for the concert by rock legend Bruce Springsteen in Gran Canaria have now been resolved and the gig has been confirmed 100%, say the organisers. more... La Laguna - 07.02.2012 - A well-known Tenerife lawyer is the focus of police attention in a money-laundering and fraud investigation ordered by a La Laguna judge. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Relations between the Canarian government and the new Spanish government sank further yesterday when the region's tourism minister was apparently snubbed by his national counterpart. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Two Britons who had to be rescued again after getting into trouble on their bid to cross the Atlantic in a pedal boat could face a hefty fine for the latest mobilisation of air and sea rescue resources. more...    Banish the blues They tell us that this is one of the most depressing times of the year more...   | E-Zigarette Die E-Zigarette Classic ist das robuste Modell für den täglichen Gebrauch. www.elektrische-zigarette.eu Rent a car Tenerife We have been in the rent a car business since 1976 in Tenerife. Our experience - your advantage. www.hermanns-cars.com Electronic Cigarette The Electronic Cigarette SLIM is recommended for smokers with few consume, occasional smokers and to go. www.liquid-shop.eu Real Estate Tenerife Tenerife Real Estate is your partner on Tenerife for penthouses, properties, fincas or business-pubs for the purchase and sale of villas, chalets, houses, appartements. www.teneriffa-immobilien.es ic media group |
