Nights Out in Valencia

By: Cesar | September 25th, 2007

I lived in Valencia for some time.

For those who haven’t been, it’s a wonderful place, full of energy, an emerging cultural center packed with wonderful architecture.

It’s a city known for many things.

Oranges.
Nice beaches.
Paella.
Great weather.
The aquarium.

One other thing it’s famous for around the world is its entertaining nightlife.

I spent many an evening enjoying the nocturnal delights of the Meditteranean port town, downing many glasses of manzanilla and agua de Valencia.

I didn’t work while I was out there, so my nightly play didn’t effect anything but the size of my bank account.

For Valencia CF players, that’s a different story.

One famous lad who enjoyed the Valencia club scene a little too much would be Romario, who dashed through the numerous hot spots of the city mere hours before matches. That didn’t go over too well with the head coach at the time, the current national team leader Luis Aragonés.

The gaffer should have understood: the temptations are just too much sometimes. I know I’ve been out before crucial matches and seen players galivanting, cruising the scene, trying hard not to be seen yet being noticed immediately.

Today’s news concerns one of our current players making the nightclub circuit. Seems Miguel let it be known he goes out on the town every Thursday and has smoked cigarettes since he was 14.

The Portuguese defender revealed his off-field activities in an interview in response to news that Ronaldinho’s nightlife was causing problems at FC Barcelona.

Coach Quique Sanchez Flores admitted that the revelation was unnecessary, but stated that as long as Miguel was performing he had no problems with what he does away from the club. I’d have to agree …

“Each of us looks for happiness in different ways and as long as he continues to do his job well, then that is fine,” Flores said.

“It has not surprised me. His words have not helped anyone, but everyone here knows who Miguel is and we know that he is one of the best full-backs in Europe. (umm, how about the world, QQ??)

“We also know that to play well, he has to be happy. He has chosen his own path to find that and I respect it.”

Reflecting on the club’s code of conduct, Flores stated that it isn’t popular but his team are professionals and wouldn’t consider breaking the rules.

“Almost nobody likes them because they are very strict and limit everyone, but that is how things are,” he said.

“Every player has their own way of living life, but it is always within the bounds of professionalism.”

Do you guys have a problem with Miguel going out for a few cheeky ones on a Thursday? After seeing (well, reading) his excellent play this weekend, I sure don’t.