One year on from Torres and Guillamón's Under-19s European glory

June 27th is a special day for Spanish youth football, and for Valencia CF players Ferran Torres and Hugo Guillamón. One year ago, the pair were part of the Under-19s side that won the European Championships, with Torres scoring two goals in the final against Portugal.

Both players are now part of the VCF first team, with Guillamón recently renewing his contract. He spoke about the incredible day for the Spain Under-19s on the anniversary of the trophy win, remembering the journey to the final.

Spain had previously been Under-17s European Champions and runners-up in the Under-17s World Cup with that same generation of players, but the 2019 triumph was a new level for them. They would face a big challenge, particularly when up against Italy in the quarter finals.

“I especially remember the game against Italy. We had progress at stake, and for a moment we were out of the competition. We spoke at half time and told ourselves that we had to fight, that this couldn't be the end for us. In the second half we were able to turn things around and go through,” says Guillamón of that game.

He, Torres, Carlos Soler and Kang In -four players brought up at the VCF Academy- were given an ovation at Mestalla for their summer efforts for their respective national teams, during the celebration of the Trofeo Naranja against Internazionale.

“We had our work with our national teams recognised. It was a very nice moment, stepping onto the pitch at Mestalla, and the memory makes me very happy,” explains the defender, who is hoping for more success for both club and country in the near future.