Palop: “When we talk about Jaume Domènech at Valencia CF, we’re talking about loyalty — and that is priceless”

Former Valencia CF goalkeeper and club legend Andrés Palop was the featured guest on L’Informatiu on VCF Radio, where he spoke about the career and emotional farewell of Jaume Domènech at Mestalla this past weekend.

The farewell at Mestalla

“It’s a joy to speak about someone so beloved by Valencia CF fans as Jaume. I thought the farewell was extraordinary. When a player leaves a club, this is how they want to do it — with recognition from the fans, the club, and their teammates. The match ended, and the stands were full to pay him a much-deserved tribute.”

The goalkeeper's career

“When we talk about Jaume at Valencia CF, we’re talking about loyalty — and that is priceless. He has been able to adapt to every situation: he’s been a key player, a backup, even the third-choice keeper. He’s always maintained his motivation and charisma. Sportsmen want to play, and he managed that in an incredible way over these ten years. He’s made a big impact on Valencia CF.”

His legacy

“It’s always important to have someone like him in the dressing room. We’ve been through tough moments, and Jaume was always there with a positive attitude — supporting and helping his teammates. He leaves behind a legacy for the younger players coming up to understand how one should behave. Any VCF Academy player who dreams of playing for Valencia CF, with that strong sense of belonging to the club, should have that. It’s vital to preserve that in the dressing room.”

Setting an example

“You look at his character and everything he’s worked for over the years, and it’s incredible. It’s exactly what every coach wants — characters like him. They see a hardworking, competitive goalkeeper who’s never content to just be comfortable; he always wants to push himself. He’s a role model for everyone. I would’ve loved to be his teammate — we would have enjoyed it a lot, and I think we would have had an amazing connection in training. Not everyone gets to be a Valencia CF player. Playing for Valencia CF is the ultimate dream, a privilege. It’s an institution over 100 years old, full of history, where many great players have come through.”