Gayà: "We have to have that constant connection and commitment with the fans. It's a special season and Mestalla has to be a fortress"

Valencia CF defender and captain José Luis Gayà is entering his 15th season with the first team since making his debut in the Copa del Rey against UE Llagostera in the 2012/13 season. The Pedreguer-born full-back was the guest on VCF Media Radio's L'Informatiu to talk about pre-season, the start of LALIGA and the importance of being a "family".

The importance of the group

"In football, where the physical aspect is becoming more and more important, the team that is more united, that rows in the same direction, that gives everything and commits to the maximum, reaches a higher footballing level. The team that is more of a group, more of a team, is often the one that wins matches. In our case, we have to be a family, and that's what we have to try to be from the very beginning."

2026/27 pre-season

“Siempre cuesta un poco coger el ritmo, pero cuando ya van pasando los entrenamientos, cada vez, nos vamos sintiendo mejor”.

Start of LALIGA EA SPORTS 2026/27

"Having three matches right at the start is something we've never seen before, but we have to adapt as quickly as possible. The two matches at Mestalla especially—we have to start the season well because that will be very important."

New signings 

"In these first few days of training I've seen them doing very well, very committed and eager to bring joy to the fans. We're helping them adapt as quickly as possible. Guido definitely counts as a new signing. We had him in the second half of last season, he helped us a lot and brought authority and leadership to the midfield. He's a fantastic footballer who is going to help us a great deal"

Final season at Mestalla

"When I talk about ambition, I mean winning many more matches at Mestalla, which is our 'temple' and our 'home'. We have to feel very strong at Mestalla, especially in its final season. When we've had great campaigns, we had that connection and constant commitment with the fans. That's what we have to achieve this season—to make Mestalla a fortress. It's a special season. We have to be more ambitious from the very beginning because we've struggled in the first half of recent seasons. We have to try to produce that second-half reaction right from the start. That's why preparing well is so important."

15th season with Valencia CF's first team

"From a very young age I was taught what Valencia CF means. I arrived when I was 11 and I've grown up here. I've gone past legends who, for me, were idols, but it's never been something I've looked at. It just happens over time, and I'm very happy about it. It moves me because it's been so many years defending this jersey and, for me, there's nothing greater. We have to value everything we have. I've always valued being here because Mestalla and Valencia are my home."

Captain

"I became captain at a very young age because I'd already spent many seasons at the Club. I know what Valencia CF is and the responsibility and demands that come with being captain of this Club. I try to take on that responsibility in the best possible way and do the best job I can."