FC Barcelona celebrates its 125th anniversary, and The Athletic is running a series of articles highlighting key moments in the club’s history. One such moment was the kidnapping of star striker Quini in 1981, which shocked fans and players alike. Quini, who was known for his goalscoring prowess, was abducted after a match and held captive for 23 days by three individuals seeking ransom. The incident caused a national uproar, with speculation about the involvement of terrorist groups.
The police worked tirelessly to locate Quini, with the kidnappers demanding a large sum of money for his release. Ultimately, a joint effort between Spanish and Swiss authorities led to the arrest of the perpetrators, and Quini was freed to a hero’s welcome from fans. Despite the traumatic experience, Quini returned to the field and continued to score goals for Barcelona, earning the admiration and respect of everyone involved.
The kidnapping had a lasting impact on Quini, who struggled with the memories of his ordeal for the rest of his life. His resilience and determination to get back on the pitch after such a harrowing experience earned him the admiration of his teammates and fans. Quini’s legacy as a talented player and a survivor continues to be remembered by those who knew him, and his story remains one of the most remarkable in the history of FC Barcelona.
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