Carlos Llorens reveals Valencia move collapsed after Albelda injury | OneFootball

Carlos Llorens says a pre-agreed move to Valencia was scrapped after his tackle left David Albelda with a broken fibula at Mestalla in December 1999.

"They told me, go to Madrid, and do not come back," Llorens said, adding that he had been due to remain in Valencia on the Monday to sign a three-year deal. Asked if the injury stopped the signing, he replied, "Correct". Speaking on La Banda on À Punt Esports.

On 19 December 1999, Albelda left the pitch immediately, replaced by Daniel Fagiani. The Valencia midfielder was sidelined for three and a half months, returning in April in the 6-2 win over Real Oviedo.

Valencia had targeted the in-form Rayo left-back to bolster the flank. Fagiani had arrived from Newell's Old Boys and was struggling, so Llorens, a left-footer with set-piece quality, was seen as cover for Amedeo Carboni.

On 15 January 2000 he scored a penalty for Rayo against Atlético de Madrid and lifted a shirt reading, "For you. Cheer up, Albelda". "I knew I was going to score, I had the shirt ready to dedicate it to Albelda," he said.

Albelda later forgave Llorens, and the pair have met in Paterna, where Albelda’s son trains. "I would have liked to lift a trophy and, of course, to play for Valencia, being from Alboraia," he said, adding that abuse still puts him off visiting Mestalla.

Source: Superdeporte