Fernando Roig led the event, which also saw an offering made to Sant Pasqual
This afternoon, Villarreal had the traditional toast to survival, for yet another season, in the top flight of Spanish football. Unlike in other seasons, this event took place at the Sant Pasqual Basilica, just after having made an offering to the local patron saint. The event, headed by president Fernando Roig, was attended by the board of directors, and a number of first-team players and staff. José Benllock, the Mayor of Vila-real, also was there, as was José Luis Alcón, president of the Agrupació de Penyes del Villarreal CF (APV) (Official Supporters Group), as well as dozens of Yellows fans, who wanted to be alongside the Yellow Submarine in the symbolic celebration.
Roig used the opportunity to put into value the club’s survival among the elite of Spanish football. “With the hard work put in by the players, the fans, the town and everyone around the club, we managed to stay in Primera División for another year. It’s very tough and we have to value that. Hopefully we will do that next season, although a lot earlier would be nice.”
Alcón underlined that this season should be used as a learning curve ahead of the future: “I’m sure that we will all learn from this situation and it will help us in the future. The fans should always be with the team and that’s what we’ll do.” Furthermore, the APV payed a tribute to José Manuel Llaneza for his 25 years with the club, giving him a plaque for his hard work during that time.
Benlloch highlighted the importance of the club in the town: “It gives me immense joy that Villarreal will be in Primera for another year. We were playing to stay up during the local festivities of Sant Pasqual and we were able to enjoy even more what was the great achievement by the team, but also a great achievement for the city.”
