The uncovered curious link between Sunderland AFC, Athletic Club Bilbao & Atlético De Madrid

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We are trying to raise awareness of these links to enhance the reputation of Sunderland AFC here in the Basque country, the rest of Spain and worldwide.

These are the results of years of research between our branch, local sports researcher Borja Valle & the help of Sunderland historians Keith Gregson, Mike Gibson Andrew Smithson and Rob Mason.

Sunderland AFC and the origin of Athletic Club De Bilbao’s red and white colours

The origin of the red & white colours of Atlético De Madrid - and how it links to Sunderland

 

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An update on this

There are strong similarities between the shirts Sunderland AFC were wearing at the time that Athletic Club Branch of Madrid worse for the first time in November 1910.

Sunderland kit historian Andrew Smithson has looked into these lots and indeed there are strong similarities.

 

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Spoke on local radio station Radio Popular Bilbao this morning about a man named Juan Arzuaga from Bilbao. Juan studied marine engineering in the north east of England between 1898-1902 and during that time he also played rugby for North Durham and Rockliff (now Whitley Bay Rockliffe).

Juan went on to captain Athletic Club De Bilbao, won the Copa Del Rey two years in a row for them.

He also opened the first sports shop in Bilbao in 1910. We believe he had strong connections with Henry A Murton Ltd based in Fawcett Street, Sunderland and imported sporting equipment from the north east. This connection leads us to believe that he was also involved in the decision for Athletic to change to red and white shirts and most likely arranged for the shirts to be shipped from Sunderland.

He's also known for being the 1st goalscorer for the Spanish national team in a 1-1 draw with France. However, FIFA do not recognise this game as official.

Finally and of course I spoke about Sunderland AFC and how we're currently doing.

Link to the interview in Spanish

La época rugbier de Juan Arzuaga

Rescatamos el pasado oval de un personaje clave en la historia rojiblanca. Escucha el podcast La época rugbier de Juan Arzuaga La época rugbier de Juan Arzuaga, en Radio Popular.

radiopopular.com

Link to rugby article on Juan Arzuaga in English by Sunderland RFC historian Keith Gregson

Juan Arzuaga: an Iberian sporting legend

worldrugbymuseum.com