Villarreal played their match against Alavés this Saturday with the third kit, completely in black, as a sign of mourning for those killed by DANA that devastated Valencia last week, in a match marked by the memory of the victims and a minute of silence full of applause and emotion. The two teams and the refereeing team took to the field wearing a commemorative t-shirt with a black ribbon and the message ‘Força València’.
All the protagonists were photographed together on the grass next to a huge flag of the Valencian Community, measuring 18 by 12 meters, located in the center of the field. The community anthem preceded the minute of silence, in which a multitude of ‘senyeres’ with black crepe and messages of encouragement and support to all those affected were shown from the stands by the fans. After the anthem, the fans began to spontaneously applaud for more than a minute in an image that brought tears to many protagonists, including Villarreal coach Marcelino García.
On the pitch, goals from Akhomach (who ended up injured), Parejo and Santi Comesaña certified the local victory against Deportivo Alavés. After the final whistle, Diego Conde, who added a new clean sheet, handed over the ‘Carrusel Deportivo’ microphones. Asked about his help to those affected by DANA, since he was seen helping affected neighbors, he tells Dani Garrido that he does not think that he “has to be the protagonist for it”: “It is the duty of all of us who have not suffered Dismayed, those of us who have lived nearby know what the people there need. This will last for months, so we will try to help as much as possible.
As the goalkeeper explains in La SER, for him, “football should not be the protagonist right now, but since we have to compete, what less than dedicating this tribute to the people who are suffering.” Furthermore, he could not feel more grateful to his club and teammates for showing “the humanity they have”: “Not only with these people, but contributing in every way. We are happy to give this victory to all the people who are suffering.”
Finally, regarding his great form so far this season and a possible call from Luis de la Fuente to play with the National Team, he acknowledges that he is very focused on his club, Villarreal, because that is who it belongs to: ” We are happy to have started the season well, I particularly have good feelings about the coach’s confidence. I try to repay him with stops and with more clean sheets, I hope Dreaming is free, so hopefully one day that call will come, but. It doesn’t occupy my mind right now,” he ends up saying in ‘Carrusel Deportivo’.
