FAN STORY | More than 10,000 km to return to Mestalla and meet Gayà

Ayaka Iwafune is a Japanese Valencia CF fan who fell in love with the club during her time living in Valencia while studying abroad. Seven years later, Iwafune returned to Mestalla to watch her favourite team play and meet José Luis Gayà.

“I was studying Spanish at university in Japan and wanted to improve my language skills. That’s why I came to Valencia. I’ve always loved football, and Valencia CF became my favourite team,” said Iwafune.

A member of the Valencia CF Supporters’ Club in Japan, Ayaka was finally able to return to our stadium after seven years and meet Gayà during the victory over FC Barcelona. Our captain signed her shirt, and she also had the opportunity to step onto the pitch alongside the club mascot, AMUNT.

“When I lived here, I came to Mestalla many times, but I hadn’t been back for seven years because of COVID-19 and I wasn’t able to travel from Japan. Our supporters’ club has 80 members, and I’m so happy to be here. It’s the first time I’ve ever walked on the Mestalla pitch,” explained Ayaka.