The joint bid for Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez to win the Price of Asturias sports award, forwarded by FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, was approved ahead of the International Paralympic Committee’s nomination.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper and Barcelona midfielder saw their bid being imposed in the final vote of the jury’s meeting in Oviedo. They won with eleven votes casted in their favour with seven going to their rivals for the award.
President of the jury, Santacana Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, made the news official in the following words:
"The jury believes that these players of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona symbolize the values of friendship and companionship beyond the maximum rivalry of their respective teams. Their sporting behaviour is a model for young people. Both have achieved major titles with their clubs and the Spanish team, and are an example of fair play that is admired by all. Together they have shown a conciliatory attitude that has undermined the traditional differences between players and hobbies. Iker and Xavi have a close friendship since won the World Cup with the national team of Nigeria Sub'20 in 1999 and over time this relationship has strengthened over the clashes and passions, "
The prize will be delivered to the duo at a formal reception at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo on October 26 . Casillas and Xavi step back on the blue carpet just two years later, a circumstance which is unprecedented in the history of the award.
Already in 2010, the captains of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona received the award as they returned from South Africa as world champions. Vicente Del Bosque world conquering charges were heralded for their feats as they followed their Euro 2008 triumph in Austria and Switzerland with the FIFA World Cup.
Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez are friends and rivals since childhood, with both having an enviable track record for winning everything that has been set before them with their clubs and the Spanish national team.
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