Hospital-Bed Deal: How Getafe Signed Raúl Albiol

Getafe's Albiol Signing: A Hospital-Bed Deal Spanish football club Getafe CF made headlines in an unexpected way when they signed veteran defender Raúl Albiol. The unusual aspect? The signing occurred while Albiol was recovering in hospital from a serious accident. Alfredo Duro, Getafe's sporting director at the time, recently recounted the story, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs involved. "It was a very personal bet," Duro explained, referring to Albiol's signing. "Imagine, it was my first year as sporting director, and Raúl Albiol was a very personal choice." The signing was complicated by Albiol's accident, which left him hospitalized. Duro described the difficulties in contacting Albiol and his representatives, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his recovery. Despite the challenges, Getafe's persistence paid off. The club successfully negotiated the deal, showcasing their determination to secure Albiol's services. The story highlights the human element in football transfers, demonstrating that even serious setbacks cannot always stop a determined club from achieving its goals. The unique nature of this signing makes it a memorable tale in the world of football.