Fan Stories: Gayà and Guillamón meet Manhal and Abboud in Jordan

Abboud and Manhal are two Valencia CF fans with an extraordinary story. In 2017, Abboud lost his family and his home in bombings in Iraq. He was left alone and seriously injured. Manhal came to his rescue and took care of him like a son. Since this summer, they have been isolated in a hospital in Jordan while Abboud recovers from two operations.

"Yesterday marked five months in the hospital, it's like solitary confinement," Manhal tells VCF MEDIA. 

Their passion for Valencia CF helps the pair escape from routine. Manhal has been a Valencianista since 1999, discovering the club while watching them play in the Champions League. He passed on his passion to Abboud, who idolises José Luis Gayà. 

Gayà is currently in Jordan with the Spain national team, and took the opportunity to meet Manhal and Abboud. The pair travelled more than 8 kilometres on foot to visit the team hotel of the Spanish team, where they were welcomed by both the Valencia CF captain and Hugo Guillamón. 

“It has been one of the best days of our lives. I think I must be dreaming,” said Manhal.

The two are searching for a humanitarian organisation that can collaborate to help provide the medical treatment that Abboud needs.