Del Bosque accomplishments recognised

Vicente del Bosque says ‘football has given him everything’ after receiving a lifetime achievement award.

Del Bosque, 61, coached Real Madrid to two Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs, before claiming the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with Spain.

This week the veteran coach, who made 312 appearances for Real as a player, was recognised at the ‘As Del Deporte’ Awards 2012.

“It makes me very proud, it is an honour for me,” he told AS.

“Football has given me everything. When I was 16 I arrived in Madrid as a provincial kid, with the dream of becoming a footballer. Now, at 61-years-old, I can say my wishes were fulfilled, thanks to being lucky enough to belong to two fine institutions in Real Madrid and the Spanish Football Federation.”

When asked which of his successes he looks upon as his finest, Del Bosque chose to highlight the rewarding work he undertook at the Madrid academy.

“All those trophies have been important, but the period I cherish the most is the 16 years I spent with the Real Madrid youth team,” he said.

“I can truly say it was a marvellous time, it was unforgettable. We did not care about money or making a name for ourselves, we were only interested in bringing up players and people. Real Madrid was our life. I think we did an impeccable job.”