Soler recaps career so far in UEFA interview

Now a veteran of 100 games for Valencia CF, 22 year-old Carlos Soler is one of the standout players for the club this season. The VCF Academy talent spoke to UEFA ahead of this Thursday's game against FC Krasnodar in the Europa League, recapping his career to date.

“I'm from a neighbourhood in Valencia and I started to play football aged five in Bonrepós, a town close to us. I played there because my brother, who is six years older than me, played for them. I joined the VCF Academy when I was 7 years old, and now I'm 22. I remember my first day here: I was scared because I didn't know what to expect, who would be my teammates and what I would be asked to do. It was the VCF Academy, but it was still Valencia CF. It was an exciting challenge for me," Soler remembers.

"I identify a lot with Valencia CF and I think that the fans also identify with me. That happens with all of the players who have come up through the academy. Coming from here, playing for your boyhood club, from your home city, gives you a lot of excitement."

The midfielder still has fond memories of his early days at the Ciudad Deportiva, where he got to see some of his idols in action.

"I remember crossing paths with several players who I look up to, like David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata -against whom I got to play, which was something special for me."

As a boy, Soler would watch Valencia CF games in the 'Gol Xicotet' section of Mestalla, including the double winning season in 2004. 

"Mestalla was the stadium where I went to watch the team, and now that I play there it's a strange thing. It's really special to be out on the pitch, because it's such a beautiful stadium. I love it."

Soler is part of the Valencia CF squad that will travel to Russia this week for the crunch clash with FC Krasnodar.