Valencia pays tribute to blind supporter two years after his death with a statue

Vicente Aparicio a dedicated fan of Valencia went blind in his 50s due to a detached retina but his inability to see did not stop him visiting the Mestalla to soak up the atmosphere at every home game.

He renewed his season ticket in 1994 and kept it until the day he died.

As part of Valencia’s centenary year celebrations Valencia, who were formed in 1919, have erected a statue of Vicente inside the stadium.

The La Liga club removed his old seat – No 164 in row 15 of the central grandstand – and filled the space with a life-sized figure depicting the loyal fan.

His son has since visited the Mestalla and sat proudly next to the statue of his father.

A statue of late Vicente Aparicio now sits proudly among the seats at the Mestalla.