Madway

Dive into the "red and white" world of... Pete • Atletico de Madrid supporter

1. Who are you and what is your passion?
Pete Kelly from Sydney, Australia. I landed in Madrid 4 years ago to fulfill a long time ambition to live in Spain. I had been bitten by the Spanish bug on an earlier trip and had vowed to return to learn the lingo and live the passion that is life in Spain.

2. How would you characterize Madrid in three words?

I only need 2…..”AUPA ATLETI”, the Atletico battle cry! Words I hear enthusiastically & lovingly hollered at me by fellow supporters any time I am decked out in any type of Atletico de Madrid branded gear. My Madrid is based on a ferociously loyal and proud red and white community. As ‘los sufridores’ (the sufferers), we believe in dreams and share them zealously.

3. Which are your three favourite spots in Madrid (and why)?

• El Estadio Vicente Calderon (Atletico de Madrid’s home ground) – because it is where I fell in love on a warm October night in 2006, despite of course losing to Zaragoza 0-1. It was magical, there was no turning back.
• Neptuno (Paseo del Prado) - two very important monuments in Madrid are the fountains of Atletico de Madrid (Neptuno) and Real Madrid (Cibeles). The fans of the respective team go to their fountain to celebrate important victories, and needless to say, cibeles sees a little more action……UNTIL last year when we visited neptuno twice for two historic victories (Liga de Europa & Supercopa).
• Teteria La Abuela – because I worked here as a waiter in my first ‘Spanish speaking job’. It is the best café/bar in Madrid and a real slice of local life. The people here are like family.

4. What will you and MadWay offer the traveller?
The essence of Madrid is its people. And the best people are the fans of atleti. I will tap you into our little community and show you what an afternoon at the football in Spain is all about. The energy, the cañas, the tapas, the banter, the many many crazy characters and the pure devotion and love for a team decked out in red and white.