Thursday 30 August 2007 12:27, UK
Jose Maria Del Nido says Sevilla will beat Milan in the European Super Cup and dedicate the victory to Antonio Puerta.
Del Nido admitted that it would have been easy to postpone the match, but felt that playing the game in honour of the player was the right thing to do.
Puerta died on Tuesday and, following his funeral the following day, Del Nido explained the decision to travel to Monaco to play the game.
"From now on, we will be playing with 12," he said.
"With the memory of Antonio Puerta, we start playing again with the desire to win the Super Cup and we will dedicate it to him.
"We are going to beat Milan and dedicate the victory to Puerta. Everyone is feeling low, but Antonio has left us and life has to continue.
"Sevilla have become invincible, because we will play with the spirit of Puerta."
Del Nido extended his thanks to Milan and Uefa for offering Sevilla the chance to call off the match, and was particularly grateful to local rivals Real Betis, who joined Sevilla in mourning the defender's passing.
"Milan and Uefa made it easy for us to postpone the game, but we feel the best thing would be to play.
"Sevilla want to thank the world of sport, the fans and all the public for their support, especially Real Betis."
