Alfonso Pedraza’s Villarreal farewell, from academy arrival at 15 to Europa League glory | OneFootball

Alfonso Pedraza will bid farewell to La Cerámica on Sunday, closing a Villarreal journey that began at 15 and brought a Europa League winner’s medal and 234 games. The Andalusian leaves as a captain and will play for Lazio.

In 2011, Villarreal recruited him from Córdoba’s Séneca CF, with José Manuel Llaneza central to the academy model. He moved to Vila-real as a teenager and adapted quickly. El Periódico Mediterráneo notes the change was tough but decisive.

He came through Roda’s youth, then lifted the league and Copa de Campeones with Villarreal’s Juvenil A in 2014/15. Promoted straight to the B team, he debuted at 18 at Mestalla under Marcelino. His farewell will also be under the Asturian.

With Jaume Costa first choice, he went on loan to Lugo and Leeds in 2016/17, then Alavés in 2017/18. After a year back in yellow, he left again, this time for Betis.

Unai Emery’s arrival finally cemented him as a starter. He was the left-back in the side that won the Europa League and was integral to the Champions League semi-final run in 2021/22.

His form earned a Spain call in 2023/24. Renowned for commitment, stamina and surging runs, the Greyhound of San Sebastián de los Ballesteros won over La Cerámica and wore the armband.

Two memories stand out, his nervous Mestalla debut, with the shirt framed, and Gdansk, where he lifted the club’s only trophy. He expects an emotional goodbye and credits Villarreal for shaping his career and character.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo