'Catalans won't be happy if Spain wins World Cup'
Real Madrid's ex director general Inocencio Arias says he doubts people in Catalonia would celebrate Spain's possible victory in Brazil, arguing that the last triumph in South Africa did little to unite Spain as a nation.
Arias, who has just written a book called ‘Mis Mundiales’ (My World Cups), was interviewed recently by Catalonia’s top daily La Vanguardia about his experiences and opinions on the global footballing event.
Asked how he though Spanish society would react if their team was to win in Brazil, he replied: “It would lead to a wave of enthusiasm across Spain, but not everywhere.
"Let’s be honest, in Catalonia and other parts, people wouldn’t exactly be enthusiastic."
His comments come at a time when Catalan leaders are pushing for a vote on the issue of independence for the region.
Photo: Stan Honda/AFP
The former consul general and UN diplomat for Spain in New York also told the interviewer that "The victory in South Africa seemed to have welded our society together but in places like Catalonia and the Basque Country that is no longer the case."
Arias also labelled the bonuses Spain’s players would receive if they won the tournament as "ludicrous".
Comments
See Also
Arias, who has just written a book called ‘Mis Mundiales’ (My World Cups), was interviewed recently by Catalonia’s top daily La Vanguardia about his experiences and opinions on the global footballing event.
Asked how he though Spanish society would react if their team was to win in Brazil, he replied: “It would lead to a wave of enthusiasm across Spain, but not everywhere.
"Let’s be honest, in Catalonia and other parts, people wouldn’t exactly be enthusiastic."
His comments come at a time when Catalan leaders are pushing for a vote on the issue of independence for the region.
Photo: Stan Honda/AFP
The former consul general and UN diplomat for Spain in New York also told the interviewer that "The victory in South Africa seemed to have welded our society together but in places like Catalonia and the Basque Country that is no longer the case."
Arias also labelled the bonuses Spain’s players would receive if they won the tournament as "ludicrous".
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.