Middle East conflict weighs on football lives of three former Villarreal figures in UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

The conflict in the Middle East is shaping life for three former Villarreal figures in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Football continues but travel, routines and safety are affected.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the trio are Tito García Sanjuán of Al Ain, Gerard Hernández of Al Arabi and Jason Remeseiro of Al Fayha, all with past ties to the Villarreal academy.

García Sanjuán, an Aragonese long settled in Benicarló and now Head of Scouting at Al Ain, says airspace closures have left him stuck in Spain with his staff still in situ. He describes fear on the ground yet a league that has not stopped and a life that remains relatively normal. Missiles are reportedly seen at night and intercepted, with strikes aimed at US bases, which he believes brings calm locally.

He says many of his hires are still there and that he intends to return, calling it his duty, though family safety comes first. He would not go back if his children were under bombardment.

Hernández, 20 and from Sant Jaume dels Domenys, is in Doha with Al Arabi, where he reports normal life and an unsuspended league, though restaurants are closed and only supermarkets are open. The midfielder joined last summer for 1 million euros after a loan at Elche in Segunda, without debuting for Villarreal’s first team. He captained Spain under-19s to the Euro 2024 title while in Villarreal’s youth ranks.

In Saudi Arabia, Remeseiro at Al Fayha notes calm, yet many foreigners leave as restrictions persist.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo