Raul Albiol, Valencia and Napoli at the centre of the Villarreal‑Napoli match

The journalist from the Latest News section of SSC Napoli describes Raul Albiol's connection to the Valencian community, from his birth in Vilamarxant to the upcoming clash of Napoli against Villarreal tomorrow evening in the Champions League, and the journey that has touched Madrid and Pisa.

Raul Albiol's journey

Albiol was born in Vilamarxant, a municipality of the autonomous Valencian community, and also belongs to Vila‑real, the town of the club that Napoli will face tomorrow evening.

"His mentor in Valencia was Benitez who, in building his Napoli, chose Raul as a centre‑back and the club invested 12 million euros," said the Spanish coach.

In Maurizio Sarri's Napoli, Raul became the primary playmaker, a reference point for launching the attack and the group leader, winning the fans' hearts during a memorable three‑year spell.

In July he started the UEFA B coaching course, choosing to begin with the youth teams to start his new life in the technical side of the game.

Who knows if a new adventure will bring him back to Napoli or perhaps to Villarreal, where his story has already entered the hearts of the blue fans.

Il Corriere del Mezzogiorno devoted an entire page to this piece of history, highlighting how the Valencian community even dedicated a club to Napoli.