Villarreal and Valencia former players will play two friendly matches on Sunday 11th May at the Mini Estadi in aid of ASPANION
The men’s and women’s veteran teams of Villarreal CF and Valencia CF will play two friendly matches on Sunday 11th May at the Mini Estadi at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground, to celebrate the first edition of the José Manuel Llaneza Memorial Trophy, organised by the Villarreal CF Ex-Footballers’ Association.
The friendly matches will be of a charity nature and, although admission to the match is free, a donation point will be set up, where fans can donate directly to ASPANION (Asociación de Padres de Niños con Cáncer de la Comunitat Valenciana – Association of Parents of Children with Cancer in the Valencia Region).
The duel between the women’s veteran teams will kick off at 10am, while the match between the men’s teams of Valencia CF and Villarreal CF will begin at 12pm.
This charity derby was presented at a very moving event, hosted by journalist Javi Mata, in the press room of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground. The event was attended by Vicente Mezquita, representing the Villarreal CF Former Footballers Association; Marcos Senna, a Yellows legend and Villarreal CF ambassador; Mar Llaneza, daughter of José Manuel Llaneza; José María González, president of Aspanion; and José Manuel Sempere, legendary Valencia CF goalkeeper.
First, Vicente Mezquita, representative of the Villarreal CF Former Footballers Association, explained that this memorial is a very special project for them: “For us, it’s a very special day because we’ve seen a dream come true, which is this project of which we are very proud. Throughout the 102 years of the Yellows’ history, there is one person who stands out above all. First, serving as manager and then as CEO, and finally as vice president, he is none other than José Manuel Llaneza, who marked a before and after in the club’s history.” He added: “In his memory and to highlight his personal and professional career, we are presenting this unique and necessary event.”
Marcos Senna, Yellows legend and club ambassador, was very moved to be part of the event: “I feel privileged to be part of this first memorial. If it weren’t for José Manuel Llaneza, I wouldn’t be here. He lives on and will live on in our minds.”
As for Mar Llaneza, she invited fans to come to the Mini Estadi: “It’s going to be very fun and interesting, so I encourage people to come and make donations, showing that the club focuses not only on football, but also on charitable causes.”
These donations will go to Aspanion. Its president, José María González, expressed his gratitude: “At Aspanion, we have a color, which is green, but yellow is next. Villarreal CF is largely responsible for the affection we have for him, because he not only has a sporting spirit, but also a social and charitable spirit. It’s a testament to what José Manuel Llaneza was, because he was an example of solidarity and support for less disadvantaged groups.”
Also representing Valencia CF was José Manuel Sempere, who also has fond memories of the former vice-president of the Yellows: “First of all, thank you very much for inviting us and being part of this event. For me, José Manuel Llaneza was an example of what it means to be a football fan and a club fan.”
Come and see the legends and collaborate with ASPANION!
