Bonera has become the second oldest player to play for Villarreal in the First Division
A living legend. After playing at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Villarreal’s Italian defender, Daniele Bonera, has become the second oldest player to wear Yellow in the First Division. At 36 years, 7 months and 10 days old, he takes over Frenchman Robert Pires who played his last match for the Submarine at the age of 36 years, 6 months and 7 days against Valencia CF (El Madrigal, 8th May 2010).
At present, Robert Fernández holds the title of the oldest player to play an official match for the Yellow Submarine. At 36 years, 11 months and 25 days he played his last match for Villarreal against Sevilla FC (Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, 30th June 1999). A record that the current Yellow number 23 could break this season.
With the Italian defender on the pitch this season, Villarreal have achieved 80% positive results (5 wins and 3 draws in 10 matches). Bonera spoke to the media in today’s press conference and highlighted the Yellows’ attitude at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium: “We were a team from the first minute to the last. We put in a great performance and we deserved to win. I always go out there confident that I can contribute a lot to the team, but before this match I was a bit more nervous as I was coming back from some time out due to injury. But the whole team defended really well and Sergio made some great saves”.
The experienced Italian centre back added: “I always try to do my best and I come eager to train every day. I’m happy to share a changing room with the great people here. We know we have to train hard every day because then we can take advantage of moments in matches like we did the other day [vs Real Madrid]. We’re in a good position in the table but we want to improve on it”.
