Bullfighter Morante de la Puebla spearheaded this heartfelt initiative. El Cigarrero, who is scheduled to fight on Friday and Saturday afternoons at La Misericordia, wanted to attend the unveiling to show Val-Carreres his deep affection and gratitude. "Thank you very much, because you have always been by my side during the most difficult moments. Even when we were far apart, you were always there on the phone, keeping track of everything that was happening," Morante told the honored doctor.
VAL-CARRERES VISIBLY MOVED
Carlos Val-Carreres was unable to hold back his emotion at an event attended by his family and bullfighters, including Ortega Cano. "A part of my professional life, specifically my work treating bullfighting injuries, will be captured in this bust as a keepsake for future fans," Val-Carreres said.
During his speech, he also highlighted bullfighting’s ability to awaken shared feelings and praised the artistic inspiration that allows emotions to be transformed into lasting works. "In bullfighting, there is emotion—the pleasant impression that captivates and delights us," he said, evoking the feelings inspired by Morante’s bullfighting.
The doctor wants the recognition to go beyond his own figure and also serve as a tribute to the healthcare professionals who have treated bullfighters and fans in the bullring infirmaries over the years. Val-Carreres also recalled the evolution of La Misericordia’s infirmary, which has adapted to new needs and incorporated modern technologies without losing continuity of care. "Combining the sacred principles of clinical practice with the latest technical procedures makes it possible to preserve the meaning of surgical indications," he said.
THE BULLFIGHTERS’ GUARDIAN ANGEL
From the infirmary at Zaragoza’s bullring, Val-Carreres treated numerous injuries for decades and played a decisive role in some of the most delicate medical episodes in the recent history of bullfighting, including cases involving Ortega Cano, Juan José Padilla and Mariano de la Villa.
The bust was created by bullfighting sculptor Martín Lagares and can now be viewed outside the bullring, next to Gate 6, at the location chosen by the statue’s creator.
