Jaume Domènech: "I will always be a proud Valencianista"

Valencia CF captain Jaume Domènech held a press conference to say goodbye after 12 years at the Club, 10 of them as a first-team player. José Luis Gayà and Hugo Duro were present at this special event.

Domènech began with a message of gratitude: "I want to thank all of you. I have a thousand stories with each of you. You are all part of my journey and have helped me reach this point. I want to thank you and encourage you to keep fighting for Valencia CF. We are all important for helping the club reach the level it deserves. Thank you all for the affection, respect, and support. I will always be a proud Valencianista. This is simply the end of my time as a player here. Once my career officially ends, I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity to return and defend Valencia CF’s interests again."

2019 Copa del Rey Final

 "I remember it all perfectly—from the morning, the last song we heard on the way to the stadium. I hold onto every detail of that day. I had goosebumps from the fans. It was a perfect moment. That season was a glorious time. We qualified for the Champions League, won the Copa in the club’s centenary year… it was the most iconic moment of my career. I have so many special memories, including my farewell the other day."

A message from Jaume to his younger self

 "At 20–21 years old, you hit a crisis point where you either become a professional or not. Those were critical moments. I would now tell myself to follow my dreams and convictions. I always believed in myself, but in moments of doubt, my parents were crucial. They told me I could achieve anything I set out to do. I kept working hard—that’s how I’ve approached my entire career. Footballers go through many phases, and I’ve always tried to support the team however I could."

Advice to young players

 "The fans demand 100% from players. You need to understand the history behind the badge you’re wearing, respect it, and give your all. We have a great group with a lot of potential that can bring us joy. We also have the ideal staff and coach to continue building this team. Just look at our strong second half of the season. This team has no ceiling."

The future

 "Corberán and his entire coaching staff are highly capable and leave nothing to chance. When they arrived at Paterna, I remember them telling us their only goal was to save Valencia CF and that they wouldn’t stop until they achieved it. They practically lived at the Ciutat Esportiva training ground. It was easy to connect with them. My life has been about fighting for Valencia CF, and they share that same drive. That commitment and dedication is essential for the club’s continued growth."

Most influential coaches

 "I've had many. I can’t forget Nico Estévez, who believed in me at the B team. Then Nuno gave me my debut. With Marcelino, I achieved my biggest success and gained a lot of confidence. I also want to thank Baraja, who arrived at a very difficult time and helped save the team. And now, Carlos and his staff. I must also mention Luis Vicente de Miguel, my first goalkeeper coach here, Ochotorena, from whom I’ve learned almost everything, and Marcos Abad, who put so much effort into working with me."

Next challenges

 "I'm very optimistic and hungry to keep competing. The club and I agreed that this was the right time to end my playing career here while I’m still in good condition. I still have a lot to give."

Handling frustration

 "A few years ago, I equated being competitive with being on the pitch, and that really frustrated me. I behaved poorly at home during those times. That’s when I started working with a psychologist, during Nuno’s time. I learned that my happiness couldn’t depend on playing or not. I’ve achieved all my dreams—playing for Valencia CF, playing in the Champions League, and winning a trophy with the Club. So I focused on becoming better each day and helping my teammates however I could—being an example with my work, fitness and attitude. In the past two years, I’ve had serious injuries, and the only way to help was by being the best version of myself."

Leadership transitions

 "Leadership in football naturally shifts. No one is irreplaceable. Gayà is our captain now, and someone will step into the space I’m leaving. I’m sure others will rise to the challenge—either individually or together. The coaching staff are also very present every day."

Keys for the club’s future

 "Achieving sporting stability. We have a strong bond between the players and the staff. We need to maintain that social, financial, and sporting stability—and keep the core of this team together. Maintaining our identity is essential. Too many changes disrupt the routine, and from there, we can grow with the support of our fans."

Hardest moment as a Valencianista

 "On a personal level, my two serious injuries. The first ACL tear came during a bad run of results, and I struggled mentally. I couldn’t even travel with the team, and it was hard to accept. But thanks to the great work of the medical team and my teammates' support, I made it back and helped in the final stretch. I couldn’t imagine the club being relegated. Then last year, Giorgi had a monster season, and when I had a chance to play, I tore my quadriceps tendon. That was very frustrating. November and December of this year were very tough. Teammates were crying, overwhelmed, because nothing was going our way. It was a time of uncertainty, but we overcame it like a real family. We should value our second half of the season."

Injury and contract renewal

 "In football, there are sometimes decisions that are hard to understand, but I couldn’t tell you why. I don’t have that answer. What I can say — and I want to say it — is that Layhoon has always supported me. I had a contract condition when I tore my ACL, and the club honored it without hesitation. I want to say this publicly—they supported me and never turned their back on me. They were always there when I needed them."

Farewell at Mestalla

 "I didn’t expect it. I have great references in Valencianismo who were even more important than me, and I don’t remember anyone getting a farewell quite like this—so emotional. It was unforgettable. The biggest reward I take with me is the love and respect of everyone at Valencia CF. I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better."