Fernando Romay, 67 years old: “I cannot collect 100% of my pension. If Real Madrid paid for me, they would declare me a professional and then I would not be able to go to the Olympic Games, nor the European Games, nor with the National Team”

Fernando Romayone of the most recognized Spanish athletes and silver medalist in the historic Los Angeles Olympic Games 1984, explained in the program ‘Salvados’ a situation that affects many athletes of his generation after their retirement. The former basketball player reported that he cannot collect 100% of the pension that would correspond to him because he does not have all the necessary years of contributions.

At 67 years old, Romay He assured that he still has four years of contributions left to be able to access the full pension. “Of course I can retire, but I cannot collect 100% of what would correspond to me because I have four years left“he explained.

The former basketball player explained that during a good part of his career the real Madrid did not contribute for him, since doing so could have had consequences on his status as an amateur athlete. At that time, players who were listed as professionals could lose that status and be excluded from international competitions. “He was not listed at Real Madrid because there was no possibility. If I paid for myself, they would declare me a professional and then I would not be able to go to the Olympic Games, the European Games, or with the National Team.“he insisted.

Turning point after Barcelona’92

As he explained, the situation changed after the Barcelona Olympic Games 1992 and the participation of the famous American ‘Dream Team’. “Professionalism was removed within the Olympic Games and That’s why in ’93 we all became part of Social Security.“he recalled.

In fact, Romay He recounted a family episode that reflects the consequences of that situation. When his daughter suffered a medical problem, he had to cover the costs of her care. “300,000 pesos that I had to pay back then, for the incubator, for all the treatment they did, because I didn’t have Social Security and so it wasn’t free for everyone.“, he stated.

Likewise, the former Spanish international assured that he knows other athletes who are going through a similar situation and that, after years competing at the highest level, they receive very reduced pensions. “My colleagues, who have been in the First Division for many years, come to me and tell me: “Fernando, my friends my age, who are already retired, help their children and in my case it is my children who have to help me, because I am earning 600 or 700 bucks”he concluded.