Deschamps’ brief Valencia stint remembered as a humble champion | OneFootball

Deschamps’ only spell in Spanish football came at Valencia in 2000-01, fondly recalled for humility and authority. According to AS, former team-mates and staff remember a calm, modest leader who helped the young.

He joined on 28 July 2000 in Héctor Cúper’s side, who had just lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid and would later fall on penalties to Bayern in Milan. He arrived as France captain, world champions in 1998 and European champions that summer.

Valencia signed him to push 23-year-old David Albelda and add experience and leadership, aims he met. Team-mates saw a tactically sharp, almost player-coach figure who commanded respect and guided youngsters.

Injuries and competition limited him to 21 appearances from 51 matches across La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League. By then he was already talking about moving into coaching.

Deschamps signed a three-year deal and moved with his wife, Claude Antoinette, a speech therapist, and their four-year-old son, Dylan. He spoke some Spanish from five years at Juventus and bought a house, but minor injuries dulled his appetite for football, a passion he also shared with rugby and volleyball, and after the Champions League final he told president Pedro Cortés he was tired of playing despite two years left on his deal.

Source: AS