Footballers donate boots to the Elda Shoe Museum
The former captain of Deportivo Eldense, Iván Forte, handed over his boots to the Elda Shoe Museum this Friday. The donation came after Forte scored the promotion goal in the last game of the 2021-22 season, securing advancement to the First Federation in a dramatic match against the side from Sestao.
The ceremony drew attendance from city officials, including members of the Sports Council, Maria Gisbert, and the Culture and Museums department, along with the museum director and other notable guests.
In another notable moment, footballer Sergio Ortuño also donated his boots to the Elda Shoe Museum. The event featured a commemorative display in the “Shoes with History” section, where Forte’s boots now share a window with other renowned players. Visitors can see footwear once worn by Raul Gonzalez, Emilio Butragueño, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, and several other football icons in the same area.
There is speculation that in the coming years a younger generation may follow suit, as Marco Ortega, among others, begins to leave his mark. The narrative highlights a tradition where gifted boots symbolize career milestones, training demands, and the high standards expected in elite sport.
Iniesta, another legendary name connected to the region, also contributed his boots to the museum, further enriching the collection and its story about local pride and sporting achievement.
In a segment titled “club of my life,” Iván Forte spoke about the moment. He described Deportivo Eldense as the club that shaped him the most and said the museum is the ideal place to display boots that played a crucial role in his career. Forte added that his daughters and grandchildren would one day be able to visit and see the footwear he wore during a pivotal federation promotion. While the boots showed signs of wear, he believed they could still be used for training for another season.
The event also included a note from Forte highlighting the significance of the display in the museum for the community. He explained that his boots are part of Eldense’s and the city’s sports history, symbolizing perseverance and commitment in every game.
María Gisbert, a local political figure focused on sport, commented that the boots hold great value for the city and for Deportivo Eldense. They represent the dedication Forte showed on the pitch and the club’s rich past in the region.
Eldense advances to a new chapter
The city’s council members celebrated the club’s recent success and the role of its supporters. Iñaki Ríos, another council member, spoke about the pride of having Iván Forte’s boots in a collection that continues to grow with local heroes. As a devoted Eldense supporter, he expressed excitement about the goals achieved in recent years and the sense of possibility that remains for the club and its fans.
“Super powers”
In closing remarks, Loles Esteve praised Forte for his decision to donate his boots, describing them as symbols of “super powers.” She noted a track record of promotions across multiple teams and thanked him for ensuring the display would inspire visitors to imagine the impact of a player’s journey that begins in youth and continues with professional success.
The legend of Eldense said farewell to the club that defined his professional life this season, but the happiness he brought to his hometown will endure in memory and in the display cases of the museum.