Many fans still remember the Valencian midfielder’s commitment 25 years after his loss
Eusebio Pérez was one of the first iconic players to wear the Villarreal CF shirt. The most illustrious fans still remember his fantastic commitment and performance in the Submarine’s engine room on the 25th anniversary of his loss.
For many, he was Villarreal’s first great captain, for his commitment and defensive work. Together with José Luis Linares, he formed one of the most legendary midfield duos in the history of Villarreal CF, and together they achieved the historic first promotion to the Second Division.
Eusebio’s first appearance for Villarreal was on 16th June 1960 in the final match of the Valencia-Murcia inter-regional tournament. With the Submarine, he played six seasons in regional football (122 games and 23 goals), four seasons in the Third Division (112 games and 3 goals) and another two in the second division (66 games and one goal). A total of 300 games and 27 goals as a yellow player.
He played his last official match with the club 12 years after his arrival, on 1st June 1972 in a 0-0 draw between Villarreal and Sant Andreu in the second tier of the Second Division. A long career that he developed almost entirely in the Submarine, with only two experiences away from Villarreal, with Mestalla (65/66) and Vinaroz (72/73 and 73/74).
After hanging up his boots, Eusebio was linked to Villarreal CF as a director of the club. At the age of 55, on 22nd October 1998, one of the most important footballers in the club’s history left us.