The Vicente Calderon, the former home of Atletico Madrid, has been transformed into a public park after hosting Champions League matches against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. The 54,000-capacity stadium closed its doors in 2017 and was gradually demolished over subsequent years, making way for the Atletico de Madrid Park.
Built in 1966, the stadium also staged three matches at the 1982 World Cup. It was renowned for its traditional feel and unique feature of a motorway running beneath one of its stands. The final event held at the ground was an exhibition match between a combined past-and-present Atletico side and a World XI.
The new park features tall trees and a 700-metre running track for amateur athletes. A carved stone ball marks the exact spot where the centre spot used to be, while a time capsule has been buried underground as a reminder of the stadium's iconic status.
Atletico Madrid relocated to the Metropolitano Stadium, a move estimated to have cost around £260 million. Although some fan groups opposed the expense, former striker Fernando Torres, who made his professional debut at the Calderon at age 17, expressed his affection for the old ground, saying his greatest memories came from there.
