Pepelu’s derby: the lost narrative | OneFootball

Pepelu returns to the Ciutat de València for the first time since the penalty that denied Levante promotion. He can expect a hostile reception in Sunday’s city derby, having become its central storyline.

According to AS, 138 players have represented both Valencia and Levante. Moves have gone both ways, yet for years Vicente Rodríguez’s switch for a fee matching his three million clause drew most anger among Levante fans, until Pepelu crossed to Mestalla.

Among Levante fans, Pepelu is likened to Figo for Barcelona, Courtois for Atlético and Mijatovic for Valencia. Raised in their academy from 13, he played 92 games for the B team and 78 for the first team, the last decided by that late Alavés penalty. It might have been different had that kick not been given or converted.

He left because Levante put him up for sale amid financial strain, with Quico Catalá needing cash and José Dánvila later recognising the reality. Miguel Ángel Corona led Valencia’s push, and though the club reached his five million clause, Levante negotiated a transfer instead of a LaLiga deposit, receiving the sum in instalments.

At his unveiling, Pepelu said the deal was handled properly, that all three parties benefited and it was resolved quickly. Three years on, he is a Valencia captain and the club he has represented most, with 101 appearances. Catalá later emphasised the clause and insisted Levante did not want to sell, and while the proceeds paid players and staff, Pepelu’s subsequent lines about not feeling a traitor and about Valencia being a big club with an ambitious project grated in Orriols.

Source: AS