Antonio Puerta's Death: One Year Later

When I sit down to write an article, there are times in which the words flow effortlessly into this little white space that houses them.

But for today, drumming up an old cliché about how life goes on, or discussing how my life was changed due to a tragic event doesn't matter.

What matters is that one year ago, Aug. 28, 2007, Sevilla FC lost it's "Diamond Left Foot" as Antonio Puerta passed away at 2:30 p.m. due to ''multiple organ failure stemming from prolonged cardiac arrest."

In case you were not aware, Puerta collapsed during the opening weekend of the La Liga season, while Sevilla were playing Getafe. As a Getafe player knocked the ball out for a goal kick, Puerta went to his knees, and collapsed on the pitch.

Teammates and Getafe players realized something was amiss, and signaled for the trainers, as Antonio Puerta sat up, and appeared as though nothing had happened.

However, when taken back into the dressing room, Puerta collapsed again, and the now infamous video shots of him being rushed into the ambulance were to be the last images taken of the Sevilla midfielder.

When news emerged of the 22-year-old's passing, the entire country was in mourning. People from all across Spain traveled down to Sevilla for the funeral. Puerta's coffin was laid in the stadium, while thousands upon thousands waited hours in line to pay their respects, even if it was only for a mere five seconds. 

Puerta's funeral took place less than 48 hours after his death, keeping with the funeral rites of Spain. As his body was taken to the niche it appeared as if the entire city of Sevilla lined the streets. Some were crying, but most were being typically Spanish, rejoicing in his life while chanting Grande Puerta or Puerta campeón! as the coffin was hoisted overhead and carried to its final resting place.

Now, I'd be lying if I said "Antonio Puerta was the best player ever for Sevilla," or even one of the top ten all-time greats for the club. Sadly, he did not have time to establish himself in that capacity.

However, Puerta was more than just a good player, he was a Sevillista; a Sevillista since birth thanks to his father who played for Triana Balompie and having grew up in Nervión, the area where Sevilla's stadium is located.

He wore his shirt with pride as a part of Sevilla FC for 14 years, having played with the likes of Sergio Ramos, Kepa Blanco, and Jesus Navas while toiling in the Sevilla cantera.

Manolo Jimenez, Sevilla's current coach, had a special relationship with Puerta, which started in the cantera when Puerta was only 18-years-old. Jimenez thought highly of Antonio, calling him, ''A captain without an armband.''

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?