Fernando Roig became President of Villarreal CF on 15th May 1997
Today, 15th May 2017, marks 20 years since a historic day for Villarreal CF. On this day, in mid-May 1997, Fernando Roig was made President of the club and from then on it has not stopped growing, accumulating joys and overcoming disappointments.
With Fernando Roig at the helm, Villarreal has been promoted to the top flight of Spanish football three times. Roig took the club’s reins as maximum shareholder in May 1997 and foresaw a very ambitious future, for which he had the initial aim of promoting the team to the First Division “in two years”. The President did not keep his promise though, he surpassed it, making history by getting the team promoted in his first season at the club. Villarreal CF was promoted to the First Division and the whole town was filled with joy.
Over the years, both the team and the club have been taking huge leaps forward. Currently, Villarreal CF boasts two Training Grounds and a spectacular and remodelled stadium in the Estadio de la Cerámica, which will continue to be modernized for the fans’ enjoyment.
Fernando Roig has made Villarreal grow on a worldwide level, not only for the performance as a team but also the brand. Signings like Palermo, Riquelme, Forlán and Pires, among others, led to the Submarine being recognized far and wide on the international football scene. Furthermore, other big stars emerged from the Yellows Academy (Cantera Grogueta) itself, the likes of Santi Cazorla and Bruno Soriano, among others.
Every season, the squad got better and better. And success began to arrive. For example, reaching the Semi-finals of the 2005/2006 UEFA Champions League, Runners-up in the 2007/2008 LaLiga campaign, the Semi-finals of the 2003/2004 UEFA Cup, the Semi-finals of the UEFA Europa league in 2010/2011 and 2015/2016 as well as the Semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in the 2014/2015 season.
Counting the current campaign, with Fernando Roig as President, Villarreal CF have played 17 seasons in the First Division, 11 of which have involved European football (13 including the Intertoto Cup). Impressive.
Of all the Presidents managing LaLiga Santander clubs, Roig boasts the longest time in charge. And may he continue to do so for many more years to come!
#20AnysAmbFernandoRoig (#20YearsWithFernandoRoig)
