Samaranch asks his IOC colleagues for one last favour - vote Madrid

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Copenhagen

JUAN Antonio Samaranch has asked his International Olympic Committee colleagues to grant him one last wish - and award the 2016 Games to Madrid.

Samaranch spent more than 21 years as president of the organisation.

And while his tenure was pitted with controversies, including the Salt Lake City voting scandal, he is credited with transforming Olympic finances after embracing both commercialism and professionalism.

And in a personal plea to voting members, many of whom were elected to their positions during his tenure, he asked for one last favour.

"I know I am near the end of my time, I am 89 years old," said Samaranch, who also praised his successor, Jacques Rogge, for his ‘masterly' leadership.

"So may I ask you to consider granting my country the honour and duty to organise the Games in 2016?

"My age has allowed me to live through many exciting times in our organisation's history and today the IOC is stronger than ever.

"I'm a lucky man to have shared so many special moments with you, my friends and colleagues."

And bid leader Mercedes Coghen was only too aware of the influence the former IOC President could have, but refused to speculate on the extent of his influence.

"Juan Antonio Samaranch generosity shows today what we stand for and we are very grateful for that, "said Coghen.

"He has all the respect coming from the Olympic movement and he has given us a lot of advice, hopefully he can give us more than advice, but you need to ask him about the number of votes he could be responsible for."

DECISION 2016: Sportsbeat's James Toney and Gerard Meagher live blog from the 2016 host city election in Copenhagen