Tomeu Barceló has been linked to RCD Mallorca practically all his life.
Getting his first season ticket when he was seven-years-old, his passion and love for the red-and-black colours is most evident in his native Felanitx, where he is the current president of the Penya mallorquinista Cercle Recreatiu.
"Mallorca has always been the team of my heart. Every match Sunday we come to accompany and cheer them on," says Tomeu. "It's alive. In a few matches this season we have only come with one coach. Normally we come in two. There are a lot of fans."
This veteran season ticket holder, who has experienced many of the most important moments in the history of RCD Mallorca “in situ”, does not hesitate to recognise the addiction he feels for the club: "You love Mallorca and as time goes by you love it more. It's something you can't live without. You always have to look for some Mallorca news, some Mallorca thing to pass the day. You can't be without Mallorca".
The 2003 Copa del Rey transported in your boot
Undoubtedly, one of the most special and unlikely episodes took place in the summer of 2003. Shortly after Mallorca lifted its first and only Copa del Rey to the skies of Elche, the same award presided over the tournament between supporters' clubs that takes place every August in Felanitx. "Through Pau Nadal, who was the director of the Foundation, we managed to get the Cup, the authentic and original one, to take it to Portocolom."
An unbeatable incentive for the supporters of RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid, who were the ones who faced each other in the final of the summer tournament. And an enormous responsibility for Tomeu, who was in charge of transporting the historic trophy from the showcases of the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix to the court where the match was played.
"Every time the Cup final is played, my son says to me: 'oh, Dad, and to think that you were carrying the Cup in the boot of the car...'," explains the felanitxer season ticket holder with a laugh.
An optimistic future
Asked about the horizon he sees for RCD Mallorca, the president of the Penya Cercle Recreatiu de Felanitx could not be more optimistic: "Just as there was a time when you thought it could disappear, now it's the opposite. I see that Mallorca still has a lot of room for growth."
"There are a lot of youngsters and they make their grandparents or parents come. That's contagious."
