LaLiga - Barcelona Described him as exceptional

Diego Maradona described Quini as an exceptional man in a tribute to the former Sporting Gijon and Barcelona player who died on Tuesday.

He wrote on social media: "Quini, the wizard, was an exceptional man and a striker who created chances for everyone. The truth is that he was a striker, the type of which does not exist today, like Martin Palermo, who perhaps did not touch the ball during the game but when he hit the ball with his left foot, he did it like the best left-footer.

"When he hit it with his right foot, he hit it like the best right-footer. The ball always looked for him.

The ball would rebound to me by accident and I would be one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He was the best at heading and was always the best placed. I remember in the dressing room that we agreed with Quinocho and Urruti to practice a move that Lattek wouldn't allow us to do in case we got injured.

"I would hit the crosses for Quini and he would launch himself at the ball, having run from the half-way line. Afterwards, I would come running from the half-way line and he would cross for me and I would throw myself at the ball, the same with Urruti and we would end up covered in mud.

"Quini helped me a lot when I arrived at Barcelona, we played a lot of tennis in our spare time. I hope you rest in peace and a warm hug to all your family."

Quini and Maradona were at Barcelona for two seasons (1982-84) where they won the Copa del Rey, the League Cup, a Supercopa de Espana and the European Super Cup.

Foto: La plantilla del Barça en la temporada 1982-1983. Autor: Archivo MARCA