It's now been just over a year since the "Black Night" in Italy when while on the phone with his pregnant girlfriend, Daniel Jarque went into cardiac arrest and died in the team hotel. It was the preseason before the 2009/10 season, after Jarque had gotten the news that he'd been made captain of the team he had been a fan of since a kid, this after 14 years with the club. A lot of controversy had been made over Tamudo over his commitment and attitude with the club, which paved the way for Jarque to take the armband he rightfully deserved. He defended the shirt of the Periquitos on and off the pitch with all his honor and ability. It just so happens a few of my friends have met him, and be they Espanyol fans or not, they all had only good words to say about him. He was pretty much as good as they get, a great defender, a true gentleman, and an able leader. All of those who played with him continue his legacy; Fabregas revealed a shirt with Jarque's name and number after scoring against Everton, and after scoring the World Cup winning goal, Andres Iniesta dedicated the goal to Jarque and conveyed the message: "Dani Jarque, siempre con nosotros" or "Dani Jarque, always with us" on his undershirt. It's a sad reminder that had it not been for the horrible incident just over a year ago, he (and Antonio Puerta who died from a similar problem while playing against Getafe for Sevilla), would have likely been on the field celebrating the Spanish World Cup triumph.
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