Tiri wants to honour his late father with the Jersey

Shubham Mondal: Luis Espinosa Arroyo made his debut in Indian football in 2015 with ATK. He is better known as “Tiri” on the football field. After ATK, Jamshedpur, Mohun Bagan, he is now the pillar of Mumbai City FC’s defense. He played brilliant football last season. As a result, Mumbai extended the contract with this Spanish center back for another season. However, Tiri will not take to the field in the upcoming season in the jersey with his name on it. He will keep the memory of his late father alive by writing his name on the jersey. Why this decision? Tiri expressed his emotions in a special interview given to Ray Sportz.

Ray Sportz: Father’s name on the jersey, why this decision?

Tiri: It is an expression of emotion. When my father was alive, he always wore a jersey with my name on it, he was proud of it. Now my father is not with me physically. But I want to keep my father’s name alive for the rest of my football life. From now on, the back of my jersey will be “Rubio”.

Ray Sportz: Was this decision premeditated?

Tiri: No. I have changed a lot since my father left. My football life began with my father’s hand. So I can’t think of anything without him.

Ray Sportz: How much did my father contribute to me becoming a footballer?

Tiri: It’s all my father’s contribution. But my father never forced me to become a footballer. Since I was 4 years old, my father has been a spectator at every match. He encouraged me. He would drive miles and miles to get me to the football field. Even though the family’s financial situation was not good, he would buy me football boots. My father is my fighting strength.