Abelardo’s funeral held in Valencia

Valencia CF were in attendance at the funeral of Ángel Abelardo González, the legendary player who won honours for the club in the 1960s and 1970s. The former goalkeeper passed away at the age of 76 on Wednesday.

Present at the ceremony were Valencia CF president Anil Murthy, executive director Joey Lim, and ambassadors Ricardo Arias and Miguel Ángel Bossio.

Speaking following the funeral, Mr. Murthy said that “Today is a sad day for all Valencianistas. Abelardo was one of the greatest goalkeepers that we have ever had at Valencia CF. He is a legend and part of the glorious history of our club. This Sunday, in our game against Real Valladolid, we are going to remember this legend. The players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence in his honour. We all must keep this club legend in our hearts, and he will always be with us.

“We have lost many legends recently. This has been a difficult year for Valencia CF; this club is 102 years old, with a long history, and this institution Will never forget our heroes.”

Bossio remembered that “Abelardo was very special, as besides being a former teammate he was a friend who helped me in my career after football. He was one of the few people within the game that you could always count on; it was like having an older brother, who always supported me. He was phenomenal, charming and always willing to help without asking for anything in return. We are all very saddened by his passing.”

The Uruguayan had high praise for Abelardo’s presence in goal as well as his human qualities.

“He was one of those goalkeepers who didn’t use gloves. They were in fashion, but he said that they were uncomfortable for him and that he had better contact with the ball with his bare hands. He refused to wear a pair of gloves. I think that everybody who saw him play would agree that he represented everything that we all want in football. As a goalkeeper, he gave an important sense of security to his defence. He worked very hard for the team.”

Arias expressed that “I remember him as a great person and a great professional. He loved the Valencia region, despite the fact that he was originally from Asturias. I remember everything that he taught people and the respect that he had for the club. Above all, he will leave a great mark as a person and as a professional. I think that he’s one of those people who show you the right path to respect an entity like Valencia CF.”

“The image that sticks with me is of a goalkeeper who won the league in 1971, when I began going to the football. I grew up with that team, and professionally I want to thank him for everything that he gave to Valencia CF. As a person, he was open, honourable and always straight with everybody.”