By Manolo Rodríguez

The first week of April 1960 is in real Betis history books. Five intense days when the Green and White universe was struck by a huge earthquake: Luis del Sol was transferred to Real Madrid. The everlasting fight between heart and brain. The cold logic of chairman Benito Villamarín against the passion of many fans.

Something natural considering that Del Sol was a god for the béticos. The best player who had ever worn Betis shirt since the Club was born. A phenomenal player destinated to be a world star.

Although he was born in Arcos de Jalón (Soria), he was christened in Seville and grew up in San Jerónimo, the neighbourhood where he was always seen accompanied by a ball.

One of those days took him to Betis after being spotted by two Club's scouts. A player who had to take three trams each way to go to train. Then, everything developed really fast. From Betis U18 to Utrera, and then back to Betis to make his debut in October 54, aged just 19, wearing the number 11.

Months later, Villamarín became chairman and their names were bond together. Both became, forever and ever, the symbols of the Club's regeneration.

Since the mid-50s, Del Sol is idol, flag and banner that creates passions and moves feelings among the fans. People start to attend to Heliópolis to "watch Del Sol." He is fierce, eager, outstandingly skilful and his personality make people stand and clap in every stadium. Del Sol breaks defenders, scores goals, makes jaw drop and is a reference for his teammates.

In this way, Betis returns to First Division on the 1st of June of 1958. That promotion was key. It meant the end of the journey through the desert and the first big achievement of Benito Villamarín in that Betis that now had some economic possibilities never seen before. On top of that, a goal scored by Luis del Sol is the first one scored in Sevilla FC new stadium, and the team wins 2-4. Many people who have fought for the Club in the worst year start to get their reward.

After those days of wine and roses, more springs and autumns will follow. A time that made that player even bigger. He grew so much that soon was in every football conversation in the country, in all the national newspapers and in the books of the biggest clubs in Spain.

Del Sol started to be called up by Spain national team, and in every gathering, Real Madrid players invited him to their table "because sooner or later you'll be one of us", as they used to say. The club from the capital did not hide their interest on the one who was nicknamed the Di Stefano of Betis and in June 1959, after the consent from Villamarín, Del Sol was invited by Real Madrid to play a match against Santos, the team where Pelé played.

One month later, before the 1959-60 season started, a rumour spread out saying that Real Madrid had offered two million pesetas, including players Rial and Mateos in the operation. It's not official, but it's a hot issue.

Months go by and the rumour continues. Some say that he is going to Madrid, other to Barcelona. This affected the player and that season he plays less than ever before. It seems certain that he would leave but the fans don't even want to think about it.

For matches before the end of the season, Real Betis host Barcelona. Del Sol plays amazingly but nobody finishes his assists. The azulgranas win 0-3. It's Sunday the 27th of March of 1960.

On Thursday the 31st a friendly game between Betis and Tenerife is played at Heliópolis. Del Sol, with a minor injury, is watching the game in the stands with his girlfriend. The kitman, Adolfito, goes there and tells hi that some people are waiting for him in the dressing room. Once he gets there, coach Barinaga and some directors of the Club tell him to get dressed up, that he is going to play for a bit.

Del Sol replies that he is not fit, but they insist and explain that is not necessary that he went with everything, just to run a bit. He comes on and when the match finishes, he is told that Real Madrid directors Saporta and Calderón were in the stands.

Later, Benito Villamarín asks him to go to his house. He thinks he is going to receive a money he had asked for getting married, the chairman's wife welcomes him telling him that she is really sorry to see him go.

Immediately, Villamarín explains everything. He tells him that his transfer to Real Madrid has been signed and that he is flying to the capital the following day, and that he cannot leave his home until then. And he does so. When he arrives to Madrid, everything is done. Nobody asks him anything. He's just given a contract.

The news is known on Seville on Saturday the 2nd of April through Real Madrid general manager, Antonio Calderón, something that people don't accept well. Madrid pays six and a half million pesetas plus three players, Llorens, Pallarés and Martín Esperanza. Also, a friendly match between the teams is set to be played at Heliópolis.

The fans do not digest the news well. The vice-chairman Juan Alfonseca resigns and nobody can find explanation to what Villamarín had said 48 hours earlier, when he stated that Del Sol is not for sale and that he is looking to a similar player to sign him.

On Sunday the 3rd, Real Betis wins their league game at Valladolid 0-1 and on Monday the 4th, Benito Villamarín holds a meeting with some fans representatives to explain his reasons. He says that Del Sol had become a problem as he was not performing at the level expected from him. Today, some would say that he was distracted.

He repeats that the operation is really good for the club and that this had to happen sooner or later. His explanations convince the members and they show their support. Some days later, some posters appear around the city stating: "Betis has succeeded without Del Sol, but it's impossible to succeed without Villamarín."

In these conditions, Granada CF arrives to Heliópolis on Sunday the 10th of April. When he enters the presidential box, Villamarín receives a great ovation and he thanks for the support. He greets the fans and seems happy. The crisis is gone.

Months later, in a train station, Villamarín and Del Sol sort their differences out in a private and emotional conversation that the player would never forget.