The devastation by DANA left serious consequences on Community Valencenow counting more than 200 deaths and serious damage in many places. The catastrophic situation has sparked a humanitarian response from many Spanish citizens in recent days.
In a context where footballers are frequently accused of living in a parallel and foreign reality to that of the majority of society, players of the Valencia CF They set an example of solidarity and commitment. The team had to face Real Madrid this weekend at Mestallabut the match was postponed due to emergency. However, far from staying at home, many of them have decided to actively contribute to the clean-up efforts in the most affected areas.
This Sunday, several staff members took shovels and, along with other volunteers, joined in the cleanup. Hugo Hardaccompanied by his partner, the pilot Nerea MartiAnd Rafa Mirwho went there with a friend, were among the first to “go down into the mud”.
Additionally, a group of players led by the captains Pepelu And Jose Gayadecided to organize and leave as a team. With them, they were Jesus Vazquez, Diego Lopez, Christian Mosque, German Valera And Louis La Riojaamong others. The suits agreed to perform together as a show of support for the community. However, not all players have moved: Cease Tarrega And Yarek Gasiorowskiwho reside in the affected areas, decided to stay put, helping their families clean up.
The decision to participate in these tasks was not an obstacle for coach Rubén Baraja. Although the players trained on Saturday, the coach, aware of the situation and after discussing with the players, allowed them to go help that same afternoon. The willingness to go together showed the team’s strong social consciousness at this critical moment.
Hugo Duro, with a young fan from a Valencian city affected by DANA
This gesture of solidarity was not promoted neither on social networks nor by the club, the players having preferred to keep a low profile. His intention was not to attract attention, but to collaborate like any other neighbor. However, word spread thanks to neighbors who, impressed by the footballers’ attitude, shared images and stories of the players at work.
This solidarity was not only manifested within the first team; several young players like Javier Tena And Rock German They also joined the collective effort. In Valencia, it doesn’t matter if you are a footballer or any other profession; The community united without distinction to overcome the consequences of this disaster.
Rubén Iranzo, from Picaña
While the Valencian Community tries to recover, the panorama remains bleak: flooded garages, damaged houses and streets full of waste in completely flooded municipalities. Cattle prodhometown of Rubén Iranzowas one of the hardest hit. The young player, left incommunicado after the overflow of the ravine of Poyoshowed Pepelu the damage before starting cleaning tasks.
Iranzo’s family, affected like many others, suffered serious damage in two of their houses, in which the water was more than two meters high. However, amid this tragedy, Valencia CF players have offered their support. Hugo Duro also helped chivaand many have been there Mestalla collaborate with Food bank. Veterans love Robert Fernandez, Vincent either David Albelda Others expressed solidarity with some of the worst-hit regions.
