Joaquin Sánchez, legend of the Real Betis and former Valencia player, has given his opinion on this Saturday’s meeting between both teams at Mestalla, which will be the first on this stage after the DANA tragedy. He has done so in the official media of the Valencian club, giving a very heartfelt message and recounting the support offered by the Heliopolitans to those affected.
«I spent five years at Valencia and I maintain relationships with many teammates and friends and some have been more affected than others, but fortunately they are alive, which is the most important thing, and recovering from the tragedy. These are circumstances that you never expect to experience and you find yourself with this tragedy that unfortunately we have all suffered in some way. Those affected are the entire Valencian Community but we We have suffered it and trying to help as much as possible from a distancewhether financially from Real Betis or with clothes, medicines… everything we could help to overcome these complicated circumstances,” said Joaquín.
The former soccer player now participates in various representation positions for Betis as well as being integrated into its sports management alongside Manu Fajardo, but he also remembers his active participation in helping after verifying the effects of DANA.
«We started as soon as we could with clothes, with masks, everything we could help and send it as soon as possible. All the Spanish people have turned themselves in and that makes us strong. Mestalla has been a field that I have enjoyed for five seasons and not having that atmosphere every weekend having their team playing and people being able to enjoy their passion and colors, I imagine they must have suffered,” he noted.
Joaquín considers that it will be a special match but more so than on previous occasions. «Above all, because of the feelings that have been experienced, which will be on the surface. That preview is going to be different and it is going to be a special match as well. Once the referee whistles to start, the players will try to play their game, but It is going to be a meeting marked by what has happened. Especially nice for me because I always return to what was my home and reunite with a partner, although also marked by that feeling that we are going to live and that will be on the surface,” he continued.
The Real Betis Foundation will visit several affected schools this weekend and this is how the man from Porto recalled: «There are several events. One of them in the morning and We are going to try to do everything possible to pay tribute to the affected Valencian towns “and we will try to be close to the people and make our feelings known.”
Finally, Joaquín valued the affection of the Valencia fans: «They pass it on to me every time I return. I’m back already retired, but I will feel the same warmth and affection. Valencia and its people have always treated me great, every time I go I feel at home and I enjoy it. “I have wonderful people and it is always special.”
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