Getafe final honour delights Alfonso

Alfonso Pérez, who scored the last-gasp goal that gave Spain a 4-3 win against Yugoslavia and a place in the UEFA EURO 2000 quarter-finals, played for Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompié but never for home-town club Getafe CF. That, however, did not stop Getafe naming the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez after the former striker, and on 20 May the stadium will host the inaugural UEFA Women's Champions League final between 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam and Olympique Lyonnais. Here the 37-year-old Alfonso, as final ambassador, looks forward to Getafe's big night in the company of UEFA.com.

UEFA.com: What does it mean to you, as a Getafe man, for your city to stage a UEFA final?

Alfonso Pérez: It's not just a question of what it means to me personally but what it means for the whole area – to host this Women's Champions League final represents an honour and a privilege for us all. Any citizen, mayor or football fan would love the opportunity of hosting a big final in their neighbourhood and, in our case, it means the name of Getafe will be known all over the world.

UEFA.com: The game is also taking place at a stadium named after you. How does that make you feel?

Alfonso: It makes me even happier, if that's possible. On the one hand it's an honour to be named final ambassador and on the other the game will be played here in Getafe at a ground that carries my name. You've got to be delighted with that.

UEFA.com: There are many activities planned for the week of the UEFA Champions League final in Madrid. Do you feel the game in Getafe is an important part of these?

Alfonso: It's going to be a massive week for our region, with hosting the men's and women's UEFA Champions League finals. I think it is going to be an action-packed few days and I hope every one of us can enjoy this week of European competition.

UEFA.com: What does your role as ambassador involve?

Alfonso: Along with Milene Domingues I hosted the launch of the final, which included events like the unveiling of the final ball, explaining the details of ticket sales and promoting the event itself on 20 May. Furthermore, the ambassador collaborates with Getafe town council, Getafe CF, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the Madrid Football Federation whenever possible.