Former Venezuelan President Maduro's Son: 'My Father Follows Barcelona from Prison, Called Atlético Madrid Elimination a 'Terrible Failure''

Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, son of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, gave an interview to "El País" newspaper, revealing several aspects of his father's life in a US prison. Among these details was his father's keen interest in football, particularly in Barcelona FC.

Maduro's son mentioned a conversation he had with his father shortly after Barcelona's elimination from the Champions League by Atlético Madrid. On April 14, Nicolás Maduro reportedly began their discussion by saying, "What a dismal failure," referring to the second-leg match at the Metropolitano Stadium which secured Atlético's qualification and Barcelona's exit from the Champions League.

The former Venezuelan President is known for his passion for football and has frequently shown his support for Barcelona, even appearing in the club's jersey. In a 2020 video filmed by a doctor from Carabobo, Maduro joked that he would become a new addition to Barcelona. He light-heartedly stated, "They have already called me for training with Barcelona, and I will join Barcelona." When asked, "Will you play as a number 9?" he replied without hesitation, "As a reinforcement player."

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested during an operation carried out by US forces in the Venezuelan capital following increased pressure from Washington on his government.