Survivors of Iraq bombing visit Mestalla

At the beginning of January, during the week of the match against Real Madrid CF, two Valencia CF fans were able to meet the squad and accompany the players at Mestalla.

In 2017, Abboud Salaam lost his home and his family disappeared under bombing in Iraq. He was left alone and seriously injured. Manhal Al-Qaisi came to rescue him and care for him. In the summer of 2022, they remained isolated in a hospital in Jordan while Abboud recovered from his injuries after two operations.

“With all the problems and the war in Iraq, I am a soldier. I was able to rescue him and adopted him as my own son. Luckily, he came out of all that. Now, Abboud has two very important operations ahead of him. Thanks to Dr. Pedro Cavadas in Spain, who has offered to do it. They are going to perform a complete reconstruction of his left ear and insert an intercranial balloon to stretch the skin. In the second operation, they will separate the ear from the head,” explains Manhal.

Manhal has been a Valencia fan since 1999, when he discovered the team while watching the Champions League. In November 2022, José Luis Gayà and Hugo Guillamón were staying in Jordan with the Spain national team, and Manhal and Abboud, after walking more than 8km, were able to meet them at the team hotel.

They met the pair again at Mestalla a fortnight ago, whilst Abboud was also brought onto the pitch before the game by Dmitri Foulquier. He also received a signed shirt.

“Football is a very important escape for him and, especially, Valencia CF. Since I am a fan, so are my children. We are very grateful for what Valencia CF have done with Abboud. Seeing my son happy is very important. Thanks to the club for the support,” said Manhal.