Ok I've delivered the painting today. As I've said earlier it was always going to be a very long shot to actually present it to Rafa himself as he works in Italy now and I've no doubt he's very busy plotting another conquest of Europe. Anyway we went round to Rafa's again today and this time, as we had the painting in the back of the car, I rang the bell. As luck would have it Mrs Benitez (Montse) came to the gate and she was absolutely lovely! I told her who we are and what we'd done and she said she would pass the canvas to Rafa and that he'd be delighted. I told her everything we wanted to say was in the letter I'd written on behalf of all of us and I also handed her the personal letter Dave Neve had written. I told Mrs Benitez that we were all gutted about what had happened and I was chocker when she reponded 'so are we - but we'll be back'. I didn't want to disturb her busy day (she was cooking) so I left it at that and we left.
It was an absolute honour as always to be asked to represent the IK gang in yet another fine venture. When Montse saw the canvas she looked close to tears and, to be honest, when I said we were all gutted that he'd gone I did have half a tear in my eye. Bev asked her if the kids were upset about Rafa having to go but she couldn't speak and just nodded her head. Bev told me later she had a certain look in her eye that only a mother would know. What a lovely lady Montse is, absolutely lovely.
As far as I'm aware they're staying in the area and Rafa is commuting to work. Nice job that like. 'Ordinary to Milan please'
well in ian,couldn't think of a better person to represent us in liverpool mate.delighted you got to meet mrs benitez.i hope it brings a big smile to rafa's face when he sees it.
Ian - made my day mate. Thank's so much for the effort. What more can I say - it's a bit bittersweet in a way. Again - brilliant stuff - and you got a great snap out of it as well YNWA.
Ian You've played a blinder for us all mate, hope you don't mind but I've nicked a copy of that photo for my facebook account ... fitting tribute and something you can always be proud of mate.