Valencia CF legends remembered in Copa del Rey canvas

Minutes before the start of the Copa del Rey final, just as the players took to the pitch, the Gol Norte end of La Cartuja was covered with a huge canvas bearing the slogan 'Bronco y Copero.' The design, commissioned by the club to Lawerta, included illustrations of Mendieta and Claudio López, the cup finals that Valencia CF had played at that stadium, the skyline of Seville, a Copa del Rey and two extra mottos: ‘Soñar que no tenemos techo’ and 'Tornem a La Cartuja.’

Within that impressive canvas, a small space was reserved for tributes to three late Valencia CF legends.

‘Españeta’

Valencia CF kitman Bernardo España AKA 'Españeta' had recognition beyond the design itself, with the object for which he is most remembered: His distinctive chair. The item of furniture, in addition to appearing on the canvas, was also present physically at La Cartuja next to the Valencia bench, as it usually is in Mestalla. 'Españeta' also had his locker in the dressing room of the stadium to complete the tribute to the beloved staff member who died on October 14th, 2020.

José Manuel Reina

VCF MEDIA Radio technician, José Manuel Reina, died on March 13th,2021 of COVID, and a radio was used on the banner to pay tribute to him.

Juan Cruz Sol

With one of his typical greetings for friends, ‘Loqui,’ Valencia CF remembered former player, delegate and board member, Juan Cruz Sol, who passed away on November 10th, 2020.