Valencia CF fandom is passed down through generations, and recently three supporters attended a game at Mestalla in an event that doubled up as a tribute to somebody who could not be there.

José Talavera was a passionate Valencianista from Majorca, who died from multiple myeloma - a type of cancer that forms in cells which, currently, still has no cure. His son, Asier, was invited to Mestalla along with his best friend and his mother, Paloma.

“We have come for a sentimental reason. My son's father had always been a Valencia CF fan, was born in Valencia and was a very huge supporter of the team. He transmitted this passion and love for Valencia CF to us. In 2020, he passed away, and his dream was to come to the stadium with Asier. Since he couldn't do that, I wanted to come in his name,” said Paloma, as the trio attended the game against Getafe CF.

A special surprise

When they got to the ground, a special surprise had been prepared for the children, as they were invited onto the pitch as mascots.

“They didn’t know anything about it, besides the fact that they were going to watch the game. It was a bit of a struggle because they asked why they had to wear the team socks, but we managed to keep it a surprise,” explains Paloma.

“José used to say ‘I wish we could see our son come out onto the pitch at Mestalla.¡ For us it was difficult, if not impossible. But you have to chase your dreams and try. Valencia CF offered us the chance and it has been a very emotional day. For a club as big as Valencia CF to do this for us, without really knowing us, is something unforgettable that we will forever appreciate.”

The team won and Asier and Bruno got to take photos with the players and get their autographs.