Juan Sánchez, the Aldaia boy who dreamt of Mestalla and made Valencia history | OneFootball

Juan Sánchez rose from Aldaia’s streets to fulfil his Mestalla dream with Valencia, and now mentors youngsters at his academy.

As reported by Superdeporte, he joined Valencia’s academy at 12 after days spent playing in the street. He debuted at Camp Nou, but the first run-out at Mestalla resonated most with family and friends present.

A loan at Mallorca in Segunda matured him, then five key seasons at Celta Vigo brought continuity and a Spain debut. His focus stayed on returning, which came at 26, among his happiest days near family.

His comeback aligned with Valencia’s brightest era, with two league titles, one UEFA Cup, one European Super Cup and two straight Champions League finals. He credits the group over individuals, from Cañizares, Carboni and Angloma to Albelda, Vicente, Angulo, Mendieta, Aimar and Ayala, under Ranieri, Cúper and Benítez.

He treasures the Mestalla semi-final against Leeds United, where his brace sent Valencia to a second successive final. He still keeps the very shirt he wore celebrating those goals, the one from the historic double.

San Siro is the lingering regret, a tight final with Bayern Munich decided on penalties after Real Madrid had beaten Valencia in Paris the year before. Mestalla can both lift and demand, and as its farewell nears he is nostalgic. He hopes the club can move past recent struggles and fight for Europe again, while he guides new generations in Aldaia.

Source: Superdeporte

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”