August 21st was a sad day as Paquito García passed away at the age of 86. A charismatic former player and coach, he was a legend at Valencia (as a player he won a Copa de Ferias, a Spanish Cup and another league title before leading the team as coach) as well as other clubs, including Villarreal.
At the yellow club he was coach (promoting the team and taking it to the UEFA semi-finals years later) and also took on the roles of technical secretary, assistant coach and head of the Cantera Grogueta. ‘A unique, endearing and much-loved person by all the Groguets,’ the club acknowledged in a statement mourning his departure.
Marcelino had a few words to say about Paquito, a Valencia and Villarreal legend just days before the clash between the two clubs. ‘He is a man who has left an unforgettable memory. Thank you for having known him and for being the person he showed me to be’. As a tribute, Villarreal CF will wear a black armband in the upcoming La Liga matches and a minute’s silence will be held in his memory before the match against RC Celta, corresponding to matchday 3 of the championship, which will be held next Monday at 9.30pm.
Marcelino y el adiós a Paquito García, leyenda del Valencia y extécnico del Villarreal:
— Relevo (@relevo) August 22, 2024
🗨️ “Es un hombre que ha dejado un recuerdo inolvidable. Gracias por haberle conocido y por ser la persona que me demostró ser”. pic.twitter.com/VjZfboMd3w
Como homenaje, el Villarreal CF lucirá un brazalete negro en los próximos partidos de La Liga y se guardará un minuto de silencio en memoria en la previa del partido ante el RC Celta, correspondiente a la jornada 3 del campeonato, que se celebrará el próximo lunes, a las 21.30 horas.