Arias: "The fans and the players set an extraordinary example"

Club ambassador and legend Ricardo Arias reviewed the experience of the Copa del Rey final in Seville, expressing his admiration for both the fans and the players.

A unique fanbase

“I am never going to get tired of thanking the fans for their behaviour. It was extraordinary. The Valencia CF fans were an example for everybody, and I am very proud to have experienced it. Even when there were less of us, they were outsinging the other team's fans.  As a Valencian and Valencianista, I left the stadium feeling as if we had won 3-0. The fans didn't complain about anything and they enjoyed it in their own way. I was blown away by the Fan Zone. I was expecting something like it, but until you see it you don't believe it. We were beaten in the penalty shootout, but in everything else we came out completely victorious."

Proud of the team

“The players were determined to bring the cup back to Valencia. They showed how to perform, never let their heads drop, and played at an impressive pace. They knew what was at stake and what they wanted it. I think they proved that. After the setback, the only thing I said to them was 'thank you; you left it all out there and we are proud of you.'"

Valencia CF bounce back

"We went to Seville to play a final and unfortunately we didn't win it. You have to get into your head that this is the path that the team have to follow and this is the level that we have to offer to continue to make people fall in love with us, as we did in the final. That is the mentality that the players who are here, and those who will come here, have to have. That spirit was seen on Saturday. That is the lesson that everyone who comes here has to learn, that this team have to be what we showed on Saturday and beyond, not less."

Gayà as captain

“The image of Gayà applauding the fans says it all. It was as if he had come down from the stands to the pitch and was just another fan. He wanted to thank them with that gesture that shows what he really feels. I wish we had many Gayàs in the team, because he is a Valencianista who only thinks about playing for Valencia CF and achieving important things with the club. I feel grateful to have a captain who represents us like this."

Supporting Musah

“A kid who is barely 18 years old had the courage to take a penalty. Bravo to him. Whoever says that takin a penalty in a shootout is easy, is wrong. You have to have a lot of courage to dare to do something that the vast majority do not dare to do."

A passion passed down through generations

"I was delighted to see so many children with their parents watching a final so far away from Valencia. That's how it has to be. This is the birth of a new style of Valencia CF. It's a new style that has been recovered from many years ago, and must be kept alive and last for many years. That is the beginning of what the new Valencia CF have to be."

A demanding end to the LaLiga season

“We have to try to erase the final from everyone's mind; it's going to be difficult, because it was a blow, but we have a coaching staff who are going to correct things quickly. The remaining games could be good for Valencia CF finishing as high up the table as possible. We have had the chance to be sixth, and we even finished some matchdays in the Champions League positions. Valencia CF have the obligation and the demand to fight to win the remaining games. The players have to know that. On Saturday, the gratitude of the  fans will be shared by the players."