Spanish ambassador visits Villarreal Malaysia Academy
THE Villarreal Malaysia Academy received the institutional visit of the Spanish ambassador to Malaysia, José Luis Pardo Cuerdo, on Thursday (9 February).
The Yellow Submarines have for many years been one of the most iconic teams of LaLiga Santander, as well as being a reference internationally for their work with their youth academy. After the inauguration of the academy in Kuala Lumpur in August last year, the club have also become a footballing reference in Malaysia.
Mr Cuerdo was accompanied in his visit by Jonathan Abishegam, director of the academy, and Adrián Prol, LaLiga delegate in Malaysia. The LaLiga Santander champions trophy was on display at the club facilities for the occasion, and Mr Cuerdo was also presented with a personalised Villarreal shirt.
"Sport makes part of the daily life in Spain and especially of the youth. We are very proud of our talented players in so many disciplines," he said.
"Nevertheless, football is the king of sports in my country. Spanish football clubs are well known worldwide since the La Liga Santander is one of the most competitive, performing and attractive competitions in the world, always eager to attract national and international talent.
"I have had the opportunity to assess all this during my professional career as diplomat and confirm how intense the performance of Spanish teams in national, European and world competitions are followed by millions of followers abroad.
"In this context Villarreal have become one of the best clubs in Spain with astonishing performance both in La Liga Santander and in Champions and Europa Leagues.
"It is a pleasure to witness the extraordinary work it makes in Malaysia training in this school Malaysian children and youths and forming them not only as players but as persons in the values of discipline and friendship. I see that in this alliance they are really a ‘dream team’.”
The Villarreal Malaysia Academy has the capacity to work with more than 400 players, between the ages of three and 19, as well as around 20 coaches. It is part of the Villarreal Soccer Academy international expansion project, through which the club shares its successful methodology around the world.
“We are looking forward on how we can bring more synergy with our Spanish counterparts here in Malaysia. Villarreal Malaysia has been an amazing success so far with more than 300 active players in our football academy and a lot of potential to keep growing, 2023 is an exciting year for us,” said Abishegam.
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