The life and times of Juan Cruz Sol

Juan Cruz Sol will always be part of Valencia CF history, as much for his exploits on the pitch as for his love for the club and dedication to his off-field roles after retiring from playing.

Although he was born in Elgoibar in the Basque Country in 1947, and combined a passion for football with the region's 'pelota' game, his life changed when he was spotted by Carlos Iturraspe in 1963. Recognising Sol's talent, Iturraspe brought him to Mestalla -and to a city that would win his heart.

Valencia CF had been impressed by his performance in a Juvenil game against them, and signed him when he had just turned 16. His young age did not prevent him from making his debut for the first team just two years later, on the opening day of the 1965/66 season, at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán against Sevilla FC.

Originally played as a winger, a growth spurt inspired coach Mundo to convert Sol into a right back, and he excelled at the position to become one of the best in Europe. He was one of the first names on the teamsheet during nine seasons, earning him plaudits and a role in the Spain squad, representing his country on 28 occasions over the course of 6 years.

One of the leaders of the back line, he was accompanied by Aníbal, Jesús Martínez and Antón in a fearsome defence which was key to Valencia CF's 1970/71 LaLiga title win. Other honours achieved in his first spell at the club included the 1967 Copa del Rey.

A spell at Real Madrid followed, before Sol returned to Valencia CF. A series of injuries blighted him during his second tenure at Mestalla, but he would continue to enjoy success, such as the 1979/80 European Cup Winners Cup triumph and the 1980 European Supercup.

Sol decided to hang up his boots in 1981, but stayed in Valencia after his retirement. He became involved in the first team again during Rafa Benitez' time as coach, as delegate, before an event that was perhaps the perfect illustration of his character: An ineligible player was fielded during a Copa del Rey game and, so as to protect his colleagues, Sol assumed complete responsibility for the mistake.

His eye for talented players was put to use when he received a call from his good Frank Arnesen, then Director of Football at Chelsea FC. Sol acted as a scout to pick out Spanish players of interest to the Premier League side.

But his true passion was Valencia CF, and he would come back to the club in 2013 as a member of the board. When Peter Lim took over as Majority Shareholder, Sol was made an ambassador due to his excellent way with people and his commitment to showing the very best of Valencia CF. It was a role that he would hold until his untimely passing at the age of 73.

Juan Cruz Sol will be remembered for his smile, his friendliness, his talent on the pitch and the impact he made on all around him, as well as his unwavering passion for Valencia CF.