"I don't know any better guys than him!" - players pay tribute to Rodriguez
18.01.2008
When Schalke take on FC Basel in their final warm-up match before the Bundesliga restart on Friday, 25 January (kick-off: 2000 CET), they will also bid farewell to Dario Rodriguez. The central defender has worn the Royal Blue shirt for the last five-and-a-half years, during which time he has won the hearts of players and fans alike. "I don't know any better guys than him", says Levan Kobiashvili. The 51-time Uruguay international will also be missed by all his other team mates.
One Schalke player is feeling a particular sense of loss. "Dario was like a brother to me - and sometimes like a father", explains Gustavo Varela. "He gave me strength and courage when I was injured." The midfielder is "very sad" to see Rodriguez go. "He was incredibly important for the team. There was plenty to laugh about with him in the dressing room. He spoke a lot to the young players and looked after their affairs for them." A caring attitude that knew virtually no bounds. When Carlos Grossmüller joined the Royal Blues, it was a matter of course for Rodriguez to put his compatriot up in his own home. Varela: "Dario is a really kind person. I'll definitely keep in touch with him."
The loss of the South American has already made itself felt. "It's been really quiet in the dressing room since he left. He always listened to very loud music", recalls Kobiashvili with a grin. According to the Georgian, Rodriguez was a central unifying figure. "You won't find a single player in Schalke who ever had a problem with him. He always put his heart into everything." A view shared by the team captain. "In terms of his mentality, he's unique", stresses Marcelo Bordon. Whether he played or not: "He was always full of energy. For him it was normal to support and encourage the team." Although Rodriguez is just one-and-a-half years older than the Brazilian, Bordon said he had learnt a lot from him. "He always made sure everyone stayed together. He kept an eye on the team and was always there for us."
Those wishing to give Dario Rodriguez a proper send-off when he runs out at the VELTINS Arena one last time can do so next Friday. Some 30,000 tickets have been sold so far, with the Royal Blues making a point of keeping prices at a reasonable level. Standing tickets are available for 5 euros (concessions) and 8 euros, seats 13, 18 and 23 euros. Tickets can be ordered on ts-ticketshop.de or purchased direct from the 'S04-ServiceCenter' on the club complex, which is open from 9 am to 6 pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. A third option within Germany is the ticket hotline 01805-150810 (calls cost 0.14 cents/min from a landline phone; charges may differ for mobile services).
