Fabio Aurelio: “The team factor made the difference for Valencia CF”

Fabio Aurelio was one of the members of the Valencia CF squad in the 2001-02 season. In his second year at the club, the Brazilian winger played an outstanding role, even scoring one of the goals in the final match against Málaga CF. On the twentieth anniversary of the LaLiga title win, he talks to VCF MEDIA.

Fresh in the mind

Twenty years seems like a long time, but in my memory it is still very fresh. It seems like yesterday that we achieved that great thing, that wonderful moment that we were able to enjoy together. It doesn't seem like it's been that long.

An annual reminder

Every year, when the end of the season comes around, it reminds us that we were lucky to have been able to experience those moments with Valencia CF. It is impossible not to remember it.

A goal without a celebration

In Malaga I had the opportunity to play and participate in one of the goals. It was a shame not to be able to celebrate it as we should have, because it was one of the most important goals of my career. Once the referee validated the goal, we were ready to restart the game.

A perfect move

I remember the play very well. Pablo Aimar and I had a very good connection on a day-to-day basis. We used to try moves like that very often. The double one-two worked very well in the match. That also confused the linesman. Angulo was also waiting for the pass, but I was coming through.

Boosting morale

I spent half a season under Héctor Cuper, and I knew the history of the team: The cup final, the title, having lost the previous Champions League final and getting into the final again. It was a big blow to have reached consecutive Champions League finals and to not have won the trophy. The idea with Rafa's arrival was to start a new project and lift the team's morale. It isn't easy to manage all of the work required to reach a final, especially getting there twice in a row and not winning. That was very difficult to overcome, but we did that with the arrival of Rafa and the work done by the team. We always insisted on that factor, because we had a very competitive squad. We always had the idea that the group was above any individual. With Rafa's ideas and his entire team -Pako Ayestarán, Ochoto, all of his staff and the people at the club-, we embraced the project and it was a very good season. Everybody gave their all for the club to have success at the end of the season. We had great sides in front of us, but our teamwork and the strength of our individuals together was what saw Valencia CF through, I think.

Game by game

From the beginning, Rafa's message was aimed at focusing on the next game. We took things game-by-game. We weren't looking at the long term. Sometimes you look too far ahead, and a negative result can lead to frustration in the team. In the final stretch of the season we saw that the team had the chance to fight for the title.

The importance of Mestalla

Home games are always very important in a competition where consistency is rewarded. The fans were always our twelfth man. Knowing that we had fans like the Valencia CF supporters on our side was very important. Our fans have always been exemplary.

A rainy celebration

In Valencia the sun usually shines most of the time, so you might think that the rain would stifle our celebration. However, I remember it was totally the opposite. We enjoyed it in the rain more than if the sky had been clear. It is priceless to be part of something so important for the city and for the club.

Souvenirs

I have the replica of the LaLiga trophy on display, and also the shirt from the Malaga game framed and a photo of the goal. It was an historic day and those objects will always remain in the family. I feel lucky to have experienced those moments with Valencia CF.