Spanish newspapers have paid their respects to former Barcelona and England manager Terry Venables, who died on Saturday aged 80.
Mundo Deportivo and SPORT printed large photos of Venables on their back pages for their Monday editions, with both captioning the photos: ‘Adios, sir’.
The images depicted him during his managerial time at Barcelona, with Venables joining Barcelona in 1984, before leaving the Spanish giants to manage Tottenham in 1987.
Mundo Deportivo paid tribute to the late manager by printing a photo of him wearing a yellow, red and blue Barcelona training top, while SPORT printed a black and white image of Venables smiling as he stood in a football stadium.
During his time at Camp Nou, Venables ended Barcelona’s eleven-year trophy drought and helped the side claim the league title during the 1984–85 season.
Former Barcelona and England manager Terry Venables has died aged 80
Spanish newspapers SPORT and Mundo Deportivo have both paid tribute to the former Barcelona manager on their back pages
Both newspapers start with the caption ‘Adios, Mister’, with Mundo Deportivo printing a photo of him wearing a Barcelona training kit
Venables would go on to guide Barcelona to the Copa de la Liga title in the 1985–86 season, a campaign that also saw his side reach the 1986 European Cup final.
Unfortunately, Venables missed out on becoming the first Barca coach to win the trophy, with his side losing to Steaua Bucharest on penalties.
After winning the Copa de la Liga in 1986, the Englishman returned to Great Britain, where he won the FA Cup with Tottenham in 1991.
Venables then took charge of the England national team, most notably guiding them to the semi-final of the 1996 European Championships, where they were defeated by Germany on penalties.
The legendary manager also had an excellent playing career, enjoying spells at Chelsea, Tottenham QPR and Crystal Palace, while also earning two England caps.
Tributes have been pouring in for the late manager from across the sporting world.
Gary Lineker, who signed Venables for Barcelona in 1986 and then brought him to Tottenham in 1989, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ”Devastated to hear of Terry Venables’ passing. The best, most innovative coach I had the privilege and pleasure to play for.
‘But he was much more than just a great manager: he was lively, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.
‘He will be greatly missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”
Appointed to his first managerial role at Crystal Palace in 1976, the Englishman would go on to have a distinguished career as a coach, most notably managing QPR and Leeds.
Venables (right), pictured here with assistant Allan Harris (left) and new signing Steve Archibald (centre) at Camp Nou, joined Barcelona in 1984
Venables went on to guide Barcelona to their first trophy in 11 years, winning the LaLiga title in 1985, before being appointed England manager.
He would also enjoy managerial spells at Crystal Palace, QPR and Tottenham
Many from the football world have paid tribute to Venables, including Paul Gascoigne and Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate, who was part of Venables’ 1996 European Championship squad, also paid tribute to his former manager.
“Any player will have a great affinity with the manager who gave him the opportunity, but when he played for Terry Venables it quickly became clear that he was an excellent coach and manager,” says Southgate. said in a statement.
‘Tactically excellent, he had a great manner and could deal with everyone from the youngest player to the brightest star.
‘He was open-minded, forward-thinking and enjoyed life to the fullest and created a brilliant environment with England in which his players could flourish and experience one of the most memorable tournaments in England’s history.
‘A brilliant man who made people feel special. I am very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all his family.”
