News
SAT 21.05.2016
David Albelda and Gaizka Mendieta, the two Liga BBVA ambassadors who have travelled with Valencia CF to Singapore, gave an interview to LaLiga in which they reflected on the warm welcome the club has been treated to in the Asian country and their best moments as Mestalla legends.
Both Mendieta and Albelda sought to stress the importance of LaLiga trying to broaden its horizons during the stay in Singapore. As Mendieta pointed out "The importance of the Asian market owes to the sheer number of Spanish football fans in this part of the world." Whilst Albelda spoke about the massive level of interest in football in the country, noting that "Everywhere we've been the expectation levels really couldn't have been any greater."
The duo are considered Valencia legends and sounded an upbeat note about the future of their old club. For instance, Albelda said that Los Che "will be competing with the big boys in both Spain and Europe in the long run" before harking back to his glory days at Mestalla: "I remember the first league title we won and how thrilled the fans were, as well as us."
Having shared a dressing room at Valencia, the former midfielders were perfectly placed to admire one another's game and they were not shy about expressing that mutual admiration. While Albelda noted that, "Gaizka offered a lot going forward and was incredibly versatile," Mendieta repaid the compliment by stating that, "David ended up becoming the captain and an icon because of his attributes as a player."
Asked about what sets the Liga BBVA apart, both made it clear that they believe it is in a league of its own. Mendieta remarked that the Spanish top flight is special because it brings together "so many clubs with different styles of football, yet with the same foundations and player development model." For his part, Albelda argued that, "Results gauge quality in sport, and I think that the Liga BBVA is a cut above the rest on that front."
© LALIGA - 2016
