Extensive interview with Ayala on 47th birthday

Roberto Ayala is experiencing a different kind of birthday in 2020. The Argentinean, who would normally be surrounded by friends and relatives or hard at work with his country's national team, is housebound under the lockdown measures in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nothing was going to stop Valencia CF from wishing one of their legendary players a happy birthday, however, and VCF Media connected with 'Ratón' to talk about his great times at Mestalla, his trophy-winning accolades and how he is coping with the confinement period -which is giving him a chance to watch some of his classic matches.

"Luckily I was sent a link, because at home I continue working. You watch football to keep learning and to pick things up -even if they are old games, they can still help you. I've downloaded a few games from our era, and I've seen some interesting things, besides the emotion it brings out to relive them," said Ayala, who was a rock in the centre of the defence during the early 2000s.

"In all of the years I played at Valencia CF, I didn't have any game where I thought 'this is the most special.' Every game was important for me. I played them all thinking that I had to go out there and represent the club's history and identity, alongside my teammates. I can't pick one. There was the final, etc., but there were no negatives. I can't pick just one. Obviously trophy wins are the games that people love the most, but every hard fought victory was important.

"I even remember the games that we lost that made us a better side. You learn a lot in defeat. Santi Cañizares said once that we learned from those finals that we lost. It worked out well for Valencia CF. We lost two consecutive Champions League finals, but that helped us to win things later on, and to keep winning. I hope that Valencia CF can do what they did last year. They need to be in the fight for trophies."

Ayala was also shown a video message from some of his former teammates, whilst fellow Argentine Ezequiel Garay called in for a final birthday surprise.
Whilst the world awaits the return of football amidst much uncertainty, Ayala promises to be back at Mestalla when circumstances -and his busy schedule- allow.

"The fans are something special. I think that it was something akin to love at first sight. I don't remember any bad games. I played badly sometimes, but my best days as a footballer were there at that stadium. Many people ask me which is the best stadium, and they name grounds in England and in Italy. They ask about Valencia CF's stadium and I say "Mestalla is my home. Mestalla isn't a stadium, it's my home."

"I felt bad when I missed the Centenary game due to commitments with Argentina. I missed being on the pitch, embracing my teammates and embracing the fans. I missed something divine, but I will give  myself the treat of going to see Valencia CF games soon."