Canarian footballers Pedro González ‘Pedri’ and Ayoze Pérez were honoured this Thursday as illustrious sons of Tenerife by the Island Council. During the ceremony, both players expressed their desire to return to their island despite their travels around the globe.
In a gathering held in the prestigious hall of the Cabildo of Tenerife, alongside their families, Pedri conveyed that he cherishes all accolades but noted that none hold the significance of today’s award, stating, “To be recognised in your homeland, by your own people, is truly exceptional.”
“I could never have envisioned this at just 22 years of age. It is genuinely unique, akin to playing at the Heliodoro with the national team. This honour signifies a tremendous privilege and substantial recognition. I understand that being named an illustrious son carries great responsibility, which I embrace with joy and pride for my heritage,” remarked the FC Barcelona midfielder.
Pedri concluded his remarks by highlighting that with every achievement at Barça and with the national side, he always remembers “his islands” and assured that this sentiment will remain unchanged.
Ayoze Pérez expressed that he “struggles to find words” to articulate the joy of receiving the title and remarked that, despite his hard work and dedication throughout his career, he never imagined being honoured as an illustrious son of Tenerife.
“As a child playing football in the streets of María Jiménez in Santa Cruz, I always envisioned being a footballer in the First Division, winning titles… Through considerable effort and dedication, I was able to achieve this dream, but I never expected to be named an illustrious son of Tenerife and all that entails,” stated the Villareal FC player.
Ayoze Pérez reaffirmed that he was born and raised in Tenerife, and regardless of how long he has been away, it remains the place he yearns to return to.
“Seeing Teide upon landing, savouring the cuisine and enjoying the sea are experiences that I can only appreciate when I return home,” said Pérez, who expressed gratitude to his parents and his representation agency for their support throughout his professional journey.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the president of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, remarked that the honour extends beyond sports, as they are recognised not only for their skill but also for their values.
“They become illustrious sons, and we pay tribute to them as ambassadors for our land across the world and as leading personalities of a sport that captivates millions, serving as an inspiration for future generations,” Dávila affirmed, believing that both athletes exemplify the best of Tenerife’s youth: “effort, commitment, and humility despite their successes, as they have never forgotten their roots.”
Dávila expressed gratitude for their role in taking the name of Tenerife “to the most prominent international arenas, with dedication and affection for their heritage.”
“They are a tangible testament to how dreams, when chased with determination and passion, can materialise, showcasing that this is a land brimming with talent, values, and industrious individuals. They illustrate that success is not merely a destination, but a journey filled with perseverance and humility,” the island president concluded.
