For matador Enrique Ponce: “Coming back to Nîmes was obvious, there is a communion with this public”

“Je reviens juste pour dire adieux et partager un dernier moment de plaisir.” Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

The Spanish star is celebrating his return to Nîmes and will celebrate his farewell in these arenas where he wrote several of the most beautiful chapters in his history.

You are one of the bullfighters who have always assumed their status, especially during Covid…

I fought during the two years of the pandemic because I felt that it was good for the party not to leave times without a fight. With capacity constraints, budgets were reduced because organizing a bullfight is expensive. I knew that we would not make any money because the fixed costs consumed the entire revenue. But I didn't think twice and considered it a duty towards bullfighting. Give her back everything she gave me even if each paseo only covered the expenses incurred. I am happy to have done it as bullfighting gave me over thirty years.

Why did you suddenly end your career in the middle of the season on June 27, 2021?

I felt this way at the time for no personal or professional reason. That day in Leon, I cut off two ears and performed an excellent faena in front of an enthusiastic audience. Quitting was a subject that had been on my mind for some time and I felt after this bullfight that this day had come. Without reason. I knew it was the right time and I didn't want to do another bullfight. I wanted to leave this world, enjoy life and stay calm. I didn't think I would return to the ruedos.

Why come back?

It's not really a return. These are mostly goodbyes. During these three years, I never thought of wearing the light costume again. When I met people and aficionados in the street, they would say to me: "Maestro, you can't leave like that. We want to see you one last time and leave the bullfight as you deserve after such a trajectory." These testimonies left an impression on me and a reflection began. I understood that they were right. I had to make this gesture, the desire came back. But I didn't want an intensive time but only made paseos with a special coloring.

Was this return to Nîmes obvious ?

This is one of the only arenas where I could do it. Nîmes has always been one of the arenas where I have experienced many of the greatest moments of my career and I have always felt a lot of love and support. The special communion with this public was permanent. I always felt loved. She was the number one candidate to make this comeback. This will be the first bullfight of this last temporada and my farewell to this aficion.

Bullfighters like Castella talk about the importance of taking a break to come back better and regenerated. You share this opinion ?

Obviously. Sébastien made the same decision as me and he came back refreshed to be at the best of his career. It’s a necessity for a bullfighter. But he is in a different mentality than mine. He came back to continue and me to say goodbye. This is a major difference. I'm coming back to say thank you for everything these arenas have given me and to say goodbye. I am motivated to offer aficionados the best of my toreo and to share with them one last beautiful moment with a lot of emotion and warmth on both sides.

The motivation is special for these farewells to Nîmes ?

I come back with a huge desire to rediscover this passion with which we have always shared this incredible communion. I am very motivated and moved because it will be a very special bullfight. I want it to be a big event and not another paseo in these arenas. I prepared myself to be up to the task. I'm answering you (Thursday May 9, Editor's note) from Samuel Flores where I will be in a few minutes. It’s a ganaderia with which we shared great triumphs in Madrid and in France.

How many bullfights do you think you will do for this departure tour ?

The number is not yet defined because negotiations are underway with several plazas. I would like it to be between 15 and 20 bullfights. It could be 15, 20, 17 or 18 but we will stay in this range depending on the three or four arenas with which we are currently discussing. I wanted each bullfight to be an important event and for each one to have a story related to my career. In France, I will do four paseos in Nîmes, Istres, Dax and Arles. Four arenas with which I have a special history and are close to my heart.

Why be absent from Seville where you experienced great triumphs ?

I didn't want to fight two bullfights in two days in arenas as important as Madrid and Seville. Doing my last paseo in Las Ventas on September 28 did not allow me to be present at the Maestranza for the San Miguel. The calendars coincide and it was the day before or after. I had to make a choice between Seville and Madrid. The Sevillian empresa did everything to get me to come and I thought a lot about it but I stuck to my first idea. I wanted to be totally focused on this last paseo in Madrid.

Your farewell on October 9 will be a great moment of emotion. Will this really be the end point of your career??

This will be my last bullfight. It’s certain from some people. I wanted it to take place at my home in Valencia.

After your retirement, would you like to stay involved and share your unique experience with the bullfighting world?

To date, I do not have any bullfighting projects identified. From October 10, I plan to live as I have for three years. I don't know what I will do. Maybe things in the toro world will emerge one day. But my idea is to stay calm and enjoy life and take pleasure in my hobbies. It’s a luxury not to have the pressure and responsibility of having to perform in a few days or months. Obviously, the link with the bullfighting world is eternal. I am not nostalgic and I have nothing more to demonstrate. My bullfighting story is already written. I have achieved all my goals and dreams as a bullfighter and I have neither remorse nor thorns in my side. I'm just coming back to say goodbye and share one last moment of pleasure. During these three years, putting on the outfit of light has never failed me. I would always like to bullfight and when I want to have fun, I do it with a cow from my ganaderia at the campo. Just for me. Being a bullfighter is something extraordinary and fantastic moments arise. But gambling your life in front of a bull is not a game.

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