Born in Cádiz in 1955, Manolo Botubot initially played with Cádiz CF before moving to Valencia CF in 1976. The former defender, who spent the bulk of his career at Mestalla spoke to CCF’s official media outlet to give his thoughts on Monday's LaLiga game between the two footballing loves of his life.
Being back on the pitch at the Estadio de Carranza
"Being back on the Estadio de Carranza pitch again after such a long time [for the interview] is a dream though tinged with nostalgia at the same time. Memories of my early days with Cádiz flood back and the sensation is deeply personal. I was born here, started my career here and came back here. Upon returning, one sees things in a different manner, you miss the past but know that life must move on".
Trials to play for the club
"The trails are always difficult and seem to have become more complicated over time. Plenty is demanded from lads these days, all the young boys want to be professional players but many talents are required and these include both playing ability and personal attributes".
Early years
"Starting out, I played alongside players such as Ibáñez, Carvallo and the rest and it was an honour and source of pride to play with these individuals from whom I learned a great deal, I was fortunate to be able to pick up so much starting out".
Breaking through to the first team
"I started off with the first team somewhat raw and innocent. I was full of enthusiasm and was surprised to see a different world of glory, positivity and wonderful things that I wasn't used to and I had to mould myself to this new unknown world".
The Trofeo del Puerto
"My first game was in the pre-season Trofeo del Puerto, I was given a chance to play and availed myself of the opportunity. From then on it was a incredible. A new player breaks through out of nothing and instantly becomes an idol for the Cádiz supporters".
Valencia CF
"A number of clubs were interested in my services and I was fortunate to move to a club who helped me mature a great deal and I'm forever grateful to Valencia for giving me that opportunity".
Experience with Valencia
"Rarely had I travelled from Cádiz so had to forge my own way and mature on my own. It was difficult and complicated but with the help of a handful of people I started to learn and pick things up both as a player and a person".
Difficult start at Valencia
"One arrives at a big city and with a major club and there was no-one to assist me or take me by the hand, I was alone. Today, things are different, a young player is accompanied by his family or agent and has a network of support. I didn't have that and to make things worse, I had to deal with a coach who didn't want me. He even stated publicly that I was a terrible player and not worth the 25 millones pesetas that was paid for my services as he had not approved my signing. It was a major blow for me as I had arrived full of enthusiasm and this individual burst my bubble. Things started to get better when he resigned and I moved to the first team. I spent eight very positive seasons there of which I'm hugely proud".
Spanish national team
"To play for the national side is as good as it gets, any player starting out wants to play for the best team. You start out with the local side, move to a big club and then play at international level. I don't believe that everything in life is down to luck, I feel everyone has to look for and create their own luck and that has been one of my philosophies in life with everything I do".
Kempes
"Mario Kempes was with Valencia when I arrived and I found myself playing with one of the best players in the world at the time. I couldn't believe my fortune, I'd gone from playing in the second division with Cádiz, and I've always been hugely proud of my time with the club, but I was now playing at a club at a totally different level. I was just 20 at the time and had to adapt to it. I was playing alongside some big-name players".
Highlights with Valencia
"I had some great times with Valencia and we won the Copa del Rey, a Spanish Super Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup and they are all great memories. Then there are other games when you simply feel proud to have been a Valencia player and I have fond memories of those matches too".
Divided emotions?
"Yes, very divided and I'm sure that supporters of both clubs will understand my situation. I've always advocated civility and sporting values and have the utmost respect for both institutions but the fans are the essence of the game and am sure that both sets of supporters will appreciate my position".
Manu Vallejo
"I played roughly nine or ten games with Cádiz in the second division, a situation not too dissimilar to that of Manu, although he may have played more games. He's gone from playing in an important side such as Cádiz to moving to a top European outfit and to take all that in is not easy. Manu Vallejo is a player who needs to mature a little, but this all takes time and one does not mature in just a month or two. Manu has plenty of room to improve and he will improve as he matures. When one is playing with a good team it's that much easier to pick things up and learn".
Advice to Manu
"I offered him advice when we met at an event before he made the move to Valencia. I told him to be himself and always offer 100%, never hold back and be fully committed. The Valencia fans are demanding, but they are intelligent and take note of these things. If a player offers his all, then the fans cannot demand any more".
Cádiz's promotion
"It was wonderful and I was delighted. We all wanted to be back in the top flight for some time but for one reason or another, things failed to work out. Every team has their time and Cádiz took full advantage of theirs, they managed to stay up at the top and that was a result of hard work and perseverance. We need to appreciate that this is all a result of effort and hard work from this group of professionals".
A message to Cádiz and its fans
"My message to Cádiz is to keep learning. Every player will have picked up more already this season than from a full campaign in the second tier. Every player learns from his surroundings and all at Cádiz are learning from being in the top flight. Our supporters are the best and full of sporting culture, they are demanding but very much aware of the reality of the situation. We've seen top players and the best teams come to the Carranza, some of the best in the world have played here and this is something we can boast of...what else can we ask for? At present, we simply need to be patient and let the professionals do their job. Everyone can improve but the key is knowing that one can improve from one's mistakes".
