Kidnappings of Di Stefano and Quini, the stars of the moment

Di Stefano and Quini are two of the best strikers in the history of the league in complete safety. Both had many things in common. First, They are tired of scoring goals, the first especially in the Real Madrid but also in the Espanyol, the second in FC Barcelona and the Real Sporting Gijon. The two were international with Spain as well. But nevertheless, there is an experience that unites them and was not very nice since one of the highlights of their career they suffered kidnapping.

The kidnapping of Di Stéfano

The first was to happen Alfredo Di Stefano when he was player of the Real Madrid. All white he was on tour (by then already estilaba the best clubs in the world will play friendly matches around the world to monetize) by Venezuela. Specific, the team chaired by Santiago Bernabeu was preparing to play a friendly tournament in Caracas that was known as the small World Cup against Porto and Sao Paulo in 1963.

The 24 August 1963, after playing against the Portuguese team, di Stéfano and the rest of the team went to the hotel where they were concentrated Potomac. That same night, while the Argentine crack rested phone rang her room. The reception of the hotel informed him that two policemen were requesting his presence there. Alfredo ignored thinking it was a joke of some of his companions and went back to sleep.

But nevertheless, shortly after, the two alleged police agents came to his room and asked him to accompany them to the police station. His roommate, Santa Maria, She advised him not to but he agreed.

He was captured by the Armed National Liberation Front

In the car he was informed that it was a kidnapping, They blindfolded and told him not to worry that he would not suffer any damage. It was two members of the Armed Liberation Front Nacional wanted to give visibility to their movement against Venezuelan President.

Kidnapping di Stéfano It did not last long, nail 72 hours, that he killed playing checkers with his captors ended up releasing him without a scratch. The Real Madrid striker went to the Spanish embassy in taxi and the matter was settled as a scare. In fact, to the day after being released under the insistence Santiago Bernabeu, played the first half against Sao Paulo. The objective was for their presence to have even more impact.

The kidnapping of Quini in Zaragoza during 25 days

Very different was the kidnapping of Quini. The 1 March 1981, The Barça footballer was going home in his vehicle after a match that the culé team won by 6-1 at Camp Nou al Hercules. On the way he was intercepted by another car in which they were 3 individuals who took him to Zaragoza. There, 'The Wizard’ was held for 25 days in a cell. In this case it threatened to end his life and demanded a ransom of 350 million pesetas. Something more than 2 millions of euros today, they should be admitted to a Swiss account.

In this case, the police found the place where the Asturian player was being held in collaboration with the Swiss police.. Since banking secrecy was lifted and the identity of the owner of said account was known. At first it was thought that the kidnappers could be members of the terrorist group ETA but finally, These were three unemployed individuals who wanted to solve their financial problems..

Quini was released and was still able to finish the championship as top scorer with 20 goals scored. But nevertheless, Barça noticed his absence and was not able to win any game without its best player. Finally, that League 1980-1981 It was for the Royal Society would get two consecutive.