1934: When Endeon got to Tenerife and Canarian football changed forever

In May 1934, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Stadium It has become the stage of an event that will forever mark the history of Canarian football and its connection to the world. For the first time, the champion of England, Everton Liverpool, reached the Canary Islands.

The expectation can be pale: the English colony, the local society, the entrepreneurs and fans have prepared to receive the British giant, including the undeniable star, William Ralph ‘Dixie’ Dean, whose scorer’s record is and remains the subject of worldwife. Endeon, occupied by the League and English Cup of that year and is distinguished by a direct and effective game, which has come to Tenerife with a mission to show why English football is honored as an art.

Islanders are not far behind. Despite the geographical difficulties that prevented their participation in the Spanish League, local desire and Emerging talent created their own nuance footballwhere enthusiasm and delivery are paid for a lack of professionalism. At that time, more than thirty Canarian players shone in national competitions and an example of a vibrant and promised quarry.

Inaugural meeting is a real battle where the CD Tenerife, led by players like Semán and Roncelshowed his bravery facing an Everton that would be imposed by a crowded 2-1. The The first success in English would not scare the area, after four days they achieved a 1-1 draw In a match full of emotions and controversy, with a cancel goal that lit the viewers’ desire and a modified penalty that raised fans.

The tour ended in a third game where Endeon was beaten again, in a rivalry where the English team’s physical and technical efficiency was proven, but also The growth of a Canarian football learned and dreamed of reaching international levels.

This sports exchange is not just a show for the eyes, but a Bridge between the two worlds: the island’s lively society and the emerging British culture That, through football, combines economic, social and cultural relationships. Everton’s visit enhances the inclusion of football in the Canary Islands, inspiring generations and leaves an irreversible mark that still feels on the echoes of the Santa Cruz Stadium.

The narrative of that historic expedition recalls not just goals and results, But waking up a sports and social dream to make tenerife as a lighthouse of international football Throughout the time of political and social uncertainty in Spain. Endeon not only played games, sowed a passion that lasts to this day.

Expected return. There are little images that endure the historic journey to Everton in Tenerife in May 1934, but a particular picture, preserved by Charlie Gee, gets an iconic moment: star Dixie Dean challenging goalkeeper Tenerife.

She is Public publicly fired the English team with emotional and long ovationshowing a great appreciation for visiting soccer players. In an act of reward, the director of Everton, Dr. Baxter, That publicly the public’s amazing -amazing potential of the people’s footballpraising your good training. As a demonstration of gratitude for the love received, Arthur received a medal with registration: “In gratitude for the many examples of love for Everton FC representatives”, a great ‘Toffee’ class detail. The spragg medal, which is preserved in its case and has a unique engraving, symbolizes this love.

Tired after a long football period and a few weeks away from home, ‘Toffeemes’ wants to return to Albion soon. In an interview granted in 1971 to Michael Charters, Dean clearly remembered the mosquitoes and intense heat of the islandsFactors that pushed him to hit Will Cuff to advance his way to return. This anecdote, which is part of Everton and Dixie Dean’s rich history, describes the desire for the team to come home.

Fine skin. Either by forcing the dean or for other logistics reasons, the The president of the club agreed to change the team’s reservation to the Yeoward Line Avoceta Ship, which sailed three days before That transportation was originally planned, the SS Grantully Castle. The photographs taken on the deck get a relaxed Dixie Dean, with his inevitable style, even borrowing a crew member’s hat for a memorable pose. Finally, the June 5, the ship was locked in the Coburg Dock, marked the end of this historic tour.

Although the following year ‘Toffee’ made a tour of Switzerland, their connection to Spain did not end there. The club will return to play on Spain’s land in 1980 and, in a tingle in the past, He created a winter concentration in Tenerife with David Moyes in 2011Closing a circle and keeping the life of forged relationships decades.