Valencia CF president, Layhoon Chan, spoke to the media on Tuesday alongside goalkeeper and captain, Jaume Domènech, at his contract extension event. Layhoon Chan highlighted his competitive nature and leadership. His contract has been extended with the club until the 30th of June, 2024. See her full speech below:

Good afternoon everyone,

First, my special thanks go to our former players Forment, Palop and also most importantly Jaume’s parents, his partner Andrea and his two beautiful children joining us on this happy occasion.

Today we are very pleased to announce the contract extension of Jaume Domenech until June 2024 and celebrate this good news with everyone.

Jaume is one of our very own. He is part of this big Valencia Club de Futbol family and he has a strong VCF DNA. Besides being very competitive, he also provides outstanding leadership to our team as our Captain. All these outstanding qualities are due to his good character and humble personality. I am sure that Gattuso, Corona, Ochotorena and Roberto Perrone will speak highly of him about his commitment on the pitch and in the dressing room.

I have known Jaume for a number of years and I believe that Valencia CF needs more players like Jaume with qualities such as competitive character, big heart and very loyal to the club.

7 or 8 years ago, I visited Jaume in his hometown Almenara and also met his parents. I personally experienced the joy and pride shown by the people of Almenara for him. I was very touched to know that everyone in the town is supporting and cheering for him. Many of them see him growing up.

At Mestalla, I have seen how our fans cheer for him. At Paterna, I have seen how the coaching staff speaks about him dearly like a son and how his teammates value him.

At the club, Jaume sets an example for all of us at every level – he is passionate about his work and he has a strong mentality. We want to build our identity around values like his.

The truth is, the club has already negotiated a new contract with him in August but the contract was yet to be signed.

Very shortly after that, Jaume had a serious injury at training. Orchotorena told me that Jaume always takes training very seriously. He trains very hard like he is playing in the final!

Despite his injury, the club decided to honour the verbal agreement we have with him. This is not a simple decision for the club, however, we strongly feel that we have to do it because we believe that this is the time for the club to return and show our appreciation for his unwavering support and loyalty through all these years. Everyone at the club from the technical department to our coach are all supportive of this extension.

Jaume, I know you are going through a very lonely and difficult recovery journey but I believe that you will get through it and come back stronger. As many of your friends say, you are a “guerrero eterno”. So I am sure you will be back in action soon and we wish you a speedy recovery.

And now, a message for Jaume in Valenciano:

Anem a estar molt feliços quan tornes més fort que mai.

(We are going to be very happy when you come back stronger than ever.)

We stand by you.

Amunt Valencia.  Amunt Jaume!