Kempes marks 50 years since Valencia arrival with heartfelt message to fans | OneFootball

Fifty years after first setting foot in the city, Kempes has marked the anniversary with a message to Valencia supporters and a video recalling his move. The player said in a post that he arrived from Rosario Central at 21, guided by Pasieguito.

He landed on 12 August 1976 after the then coach backed him having experienced Argentine football first hand. Even president Ramos Costa had not seen him play before the deal was closed. Within five days of signing he played the Trofeu Taronja and missed a penalty, a debut he now jokes was best forgotten.

Competitive action quickly revealed his true level. The Argentine became a prolific scorer and the standard bearer of a brilliant Valencia side. Across eight seasons he won the Copa del Rey, the Cup Winners’ Cup and the Super Cup, and claimed two Pichichi awards.

He totalled 149 goals in 246 official games, and a famous slogan of the time attached his name to the very idea of a goal. His impact ran beyond numbers as he grew into a Mestalla idol for generations.

He also hit the peak with Argentina in 1978, finishing top scorer and starring in the final against the Netherlands. Becoming a world champion while a Valencia player only strengthened his place in the club’s story.

Half a century on, the bond endures. More than the titles, he cherished the warmth of Mestalla and he remains a Valencia supporter. He will return to the city on 25 and 26 September to celebrate the milestone with fans.

Source: Superdeporte

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