Marcelino García Toral is already Villaviciosa’s Favorite Son. The Athletic Club coach received this recognition with the businessman José Luis Corripio Estrada in two extraordinary plenary sessions of the Asturian town council.
The appointment strengthens Marcelino’s bond with his roots. A native of Careñes (a town in the council of Villaviciosa) and a youth squad for Sporting, he made his debut as coach at CD Lealtad (1997/98 season) before returning to the historic club from Gijón. Then came what was to become his successful spells at Recreativo de Huelva, Racing de Santander, Villarreal or Valencia before landing at Athletic in January 2021, with which he has already won a title (Spanish Supercup in 2021) and reached another two finals (Super Cup in 2022 and Copa del Rey in 2021).
Lealtad drives a proposal CD Lealtad, the club where he had his first experience on the bench and achieved promotion, has been the main driving force of this recognition.
Along with his election as the town crier of the Villaviciosa Apple Festival, the entity registered the request so they could continue with the appropriate procedures.
Todo un honor ser nombrado Hijo Predilecto de mi querida Villaviciosa. Siento enorme orgullo por el reconocimiento, sobre todo me emociona el cariño y el respeto de mi gente. Gracias de corazón al @AytoVillaAst y a todos los que habéis impulsado la idea, en especial al @cdlealtad
— Marcelino Garcia Toral (@Marcelino) March 31, 2022
The Royal Football Federation of the Principality of Asturias joined the initiative. So did local sports and cultural associations and several individuals. The distinction as Favorite Son culminates a process marked by 8 October 2021, the day when Marcelino starred in the proclamation of the Villaviciosa Apple Festival. He did it in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with a very well-crafted speech. He received a token of affection from authorities and residents on that unforgettable day.
