Emilio Butragueño

Nicknamed 'the Vulture' – and part of the club's famed 'Quinta del Buitre' generation that dominated Spanish football in the 1980s – Butragueño helped Madrid to five successive Liga titles between 1986 and 1990, adding a sixth in 1995. He also played a key role in the Copa del Rey victories of 1989 and 1993 and successive UEFA Cup triumphs in 1985 and 1986 – making him the perfect choice to be ambassador for the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League final.

uefa.com: What was your first reaction when you heard that you will be the ambassador for the UEFA Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabéu?

Emilio Butragueño: Great personal satisfaction. The Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in the world. That it will be hosted in Madrid is a great celebration for the city and fans and a great honour. For a whole week, we will be the centre of the football world. To have this happen in a city where I have lived, and in the stadium where I played football for 12 seasons, is fantastic.

uefa.com: What does it mean to you?

Butragueño: Spain has been waiting for an event like this for the last 15 or 20 years. Madrid is a city that aspires to organise events of global importance and this is another chance to show that we are able to do something great and can organise the best final the world has ever seen. The collaboration with the authorities and the city has been great since the first minute. They have shown great will and joy, which is fantastic.

uefa.com: What will your role be as final ambassador?

Butragueño: I will collaborate closely with UEFA and the local authorities and obviously with my club. I'm responsible for dealing with everything that could cause problems and I'm at UEFA's disposal for everything they ask of me. This a great honour for me and Madrid.

uefa.com: You know the Santiago Bernabéu like nobody else. What makes this stadium so special?

Butragueño: The history of it and the legends, which are linked of course. It was built in 1947, and in 1953 the great history of the club started with Alfredo di Stéfano. This stadium has seen the transformation of a football club into one of the most prestigious in the world and been witness to the great success of Real Madrid while developing the city to become an example in football. Football is the biggest sport in the world, with the most fans, and Real Madrid play a very relevant role in this family. All that this club has achieved happened in this stadium. It has a special significance to all who love football.

uefa.com: Tell us about the recent renovations at the stadium?

Butragueño: From 2000 to 2005, they did some significant work, which cost about €120m. This is a very comfortable stadium located right in the centre of the city, which is an advantage for the fans. It's an old ground, but it will be in top condition for the Champions League final and everyone there will take away wonderful memories.

uefa.com: This season's UEFA Champions League final will be held on a Saturday – do you think that will make a difference?

Butragueño: We'll enjoy an unforgettable week leading up to the most important match of the season and turn it into a fantastic spectacle. I think the city will enjoy and benefit from it a lot. On a Saturday, people can organise themselves better, so for all the fans it will be much easier. The city will enjoy one week of celebrations and events in the run-up to the final. The Sunday then is the day of departure and you don't lose a day at work or school, so it's very practical for everyone. It will be an absolute success. For the finalists, it's also important as they have the whole week to prepare for the match. When it was played on a Wednesday, the clubs used to have decisive matches the previous weekend, because it's the end of the season when championships are decided. So now to have a whole week to get ready and rest the players is very positive.