Iago Aspas to Get Statue and Stand Named After Him While Still Playing

Iago Aspas is set to have a stand named after him and a life-size statue built outside Celta Vigo’s stadium despite still being available to walk past both of them.

Vigo mayor Abel Caballero announced that the Tribuna stand at Balaidos will become the Tribuna Iago Aspas in honour of the club captain.

The decision still requires formal approval from Aspas and Celta, although neither appears especially likely to object.

A bronze statue of the forward is also planned for outside the stadium, with Vigo City Council receiving 15 proposals for its design.

The sculpture will measure 1.76 metres, matching Aspas’ actual height, and depict him wearing Celta’s kit. The complete project has been allocated a budget of €295,000, including its production, installation and competition prizes.

It is an unusually comprehensive tribute for somebody who has not yet retired.

Aspas developed through Celta’s academy and has become the club’s record appearance maker and leading goalscorer across two spells. He is expected to finish his playing career at the club after signing another one-year contract.

Between those spells, he spent two seasons contracted to Liverpool and scored once in 15 appearances.

Liverpool supporters largely remember him for taking an unfortunate corner against Chelsea. Vigo has responded by commissioning a bronze statue and attaching his name to part of a stadium.

Aspas will eventually retire with his place in Celta history already secured.

Most players have to wait years before discovering whether anybody intends to build them a statue. Aspas can apparently inspect the construction work on his way into training.