Gayà meets fan with IFAP syndrome

Luca is a young Valencianista who suffers from IFAP syndrome and hails from the town of Pedreguer, the home of José Luis Gayà. The Valencia CF captain met up with the young supporter at the Ciudad Deportiva in a surprise visit.

“I know Luca through his father, who is a friend of mine, and he introduced him to me. Both he and his brother are big Valencia CF fans. We have a lot of visibility at the club, and we are going to do everything in our power to help. It is a rare disease and making people aware of it is very important," says Gayà, who had an impromptu kickabout with Luca and his brother at the Antonio Puchades.

IFAP syndrome is a condition which affects vision and skin, and there are only 14 cases diagnosed worldwide. Luca's parents are dedicated to finding more information and examples of this rare disease, in order to find treatments to combat it.

"Gayà was immediately there for us when we needed him, as were Valencia CF, and we are grateful to everyone for sharing and giving visibility to IFAP,” said Roberto Sánchez, the boy's father.

There has also been support from the Spanish police force, and on November 30th a race will be held in Denia for the 200th anniversary of the force -an event that will be dedicated to Luca.