End of an era. Adios y Gracias, JCF!

[slyreflection]

I'd say, "stay classy", but I know you will. 
I'd say, "don't be a stranger", but I damn well expect you to be a constant at Valencia's trophy ceremony.
I'd say, "good luck", but you're the kind of man that makes his own. 

Comments

[slyreflection]

If anyone has video/pictures from his interview after the match, or tomorrow after doubles with Ferru & the ceremony--please share!! <3.

[slyreflection]

I know! I think the youngest boys have some cuties among them at least, though the results end is lacking...still early yet though!

[calzamante]

This is a beautiful tribute ♥

EDIT: Also, if you still need it, tribute footage here

[slyreflection]

AHHH YES, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING! I was with Lleyton on the whole 'can't understand a word' deal, but all the emotion came through anyway. JCF & Ferru's BFFness is beyond adorable (hugs for everyone! multiple hugs for Ferru!) and how is it that Juanqui looks gorgeous even when blinking back tears?

[calzamante]

You are very welcome, I am happy to be of help ♥

[slyreflection]

There is also this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59ZL_nrNzAM&sns=em at 4:30 if you haven't already seen it. ALL THE FERRU JUANQUI FEELS AHHHH I don't even know what to do with myself, they are unspeakably adorable.

[piratesswoop]

It would give me all the happiness in the world to see Juan Carlos in charge of the DC team next year or the year after. From Albert to Alex to Juan Carlos, the big Spaniards on campus in the early 2000s. I miss him so much already <3

Bit disgusted I seem to have gotten rid of my Juanca icon a while back so the Ferru one will have to do for now.

[slyreflection]

If Spain wins the DC this year--fingers crossed, definitely possible!- than I think if Alex wants to keep the captaincy, he should be able to have it for another year. But definitely, I want to see Juanqui as captain--winners leading wins?--and ok, maybe I just want to see JCF as Ferru's captain haha.
Laziness factor aside I will never get rid of my Juan Carlos & Marat icons, even if they have not been relevant for years. First tennis loves, and all that <3.

[krisherdown]

Just based on the way Spanish tennis is right now, you can see the influence of Ferrero.

Leaving a quote about him from an unlikely source (posted on MTF's tribute thread):

Maria Sharapova after her French Open win
“I remember that two years ago, Juan Carlos told me that he thought that with a few little adjustments in my game, I could win Roland Garros. I don’t think many more people thought that. [...] I wanted to come to the Juan Carlos Ferrero - Equelite Academy to rest and share this triumph with them, as they have always treated me fantastically and believed in me, as well as because of my friendship with Juan Carlos. On top of my family and my coach [Thomas Hogstedt], I would also like to thank my physio, Juan Reque, and the doctor Nacho Muñoz for the last few years, in which they have helped me overcome physical issues that threatened my tennis career.”

[slyreflection]

Juanqui loves putting his own name on everything (and I have to admire his truly expert brand management) but honestly his product is quite good--I don't know if he has some hidden business genius in the background or what, but Valencia has advanced as a tournament IMHO, getting to 500 status and becoming a part of the race to the WTF instead of lost in the spring clay court mix; plus considering how relatively recently the Academy was founded, it can lay claim to some fairly big names, people who would not just spend time & money at a tennis training facility solely out of friendship (digression: I love that their website is available in Spanish, English, and Russian--keeping that Russia-Valencia connection open I guess!). And it's weird to think but there's at least one 24 yr. old Spanish player in the top 100 who lists Juanqui & Ferru as his idols growing up haha!